Ryan A. Bush, founder of Designing the Mind, delves into the psychology of happiness, discussing the pitfalls of seeking external validation. He introduces the concept of 'Psychitecture' and its impact on well-being. Topics include the influence of social media, the power of daily activities, and building virtues into our lives. Find strength in introspection and navigate life's complexities to discover true contentment.
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Quick takeaways
Relying on external validation for approval can be dangerous as not everyone shares the same values.
Stepping out of one's comfort zone and engaging in activities that build confidence and social skills can transform an individual's social interactions and sense of belonging.
Schools should prioritize teaching individuals how to be happy, emotionally regulated, clear thinkers, and incorporate practical philosophy, values, and virtues into education.
Deep dives
The Importance of Self-Approval
It is dangerous to rely on social esteem for approval as not everyone will have the same values. Seeking constant validation can lead to becoming a person one doesn't even approve of. The most important approval should come from oneself, striving to live according to one's own values.
Overcoming Social Difficulties
The podcast guest shares their experience of feeling like an outsider in school and taking steps to change. They joined the football team, which helped them step out of their comfort zone, gain confidence, and develop social skills. Through self-improvement and gradual exposure, they transformed from a loner to someone who now excels in social interactions.
Reimagining Education
The podcast guest discusses the flaws in the current education system. They believe schools should prioritize teaching individuals how to be good human beings, happy, emotionally regulated, and clear thinkers. They suggest incorporating practical philosophy, values, and virtues into education, using technology to deliver optimized teaching methods, and emphasizing wisdom alongside academic success.
Maximizing Virtues and Happiness
Maximizing virtues is crucial for achieving greater happiness in life. More money may contribute to happiness if it enables individuals to bring out their unique strengths and escape monotonous, unfulfilling jobs. However, for those already engaged in work that exercises their virtues and brings them satisfaction, winning the lottery and abandoning that work can lead to decreased overall wellbeing. The key question is whether a situation enables individuals to bring out their unique strengths or suppresses that ability, using money as a means to an end.
The Role of Status and Social Media
The pursuit of social status and popularity can drive individuals away from their values and virtues, fueling a satisfaction of social needs while distancing themselves from personal values. Social media exacerbates this pursuit, creating a giant status game where accomplishments are displayed publicly. Although status can provide feedback on living according to one's values, it can also be a distraction and lead individuals to seek the approval of others who may not share their values. It is crucial to prioritize self-approval and focus on unique virtues rather than getting caught up in the status game facilitated by social media.
Explore the depths of self-awareness with Ryan A. Bush in our latest podcast episode. Ryan, the founder of Designing the Mind, shares his unique insights into the psychology of happiness and the pitfalls of seeking external validation. Delve into the concept of 'Psychitecture' and how it can reshape our approach to well-being by aligning our actions with our values. Ryan discusses the influence of social media, the power of daily activities, and the importance of building virtues into our lives. Whether it's overcoming social pressures or finding strength in introspection, this episode is a guide to navigating life's complexities and finding true contentment.