Young and Profiting (YAP) with Hala Taha

Stephanie Harrison: The Old Model of Happiness Is Dead, Design a Business That Fuels Your Joy | E317

Nov 18, 2024

Join Stephanie Harrison, founder of The New Happy and a master’s graduate in Positive Psychology, as she uncovers the dead-end of chasing perfection. She shares her transformative journey from corporate success to developing a philosophy that prioritizes authenticity and connection. Explore the impact of capitalism on happiness and the importance of intrinsic goals over extrinsic achievements. Harrison also emphasizes gratitude, community, and self-acceptance as keys to a fulfilling life, shedding light on the true essence of happiness amidst societal pressures.

01:05:29

Episode guests

Stephanie Harrison

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

The old model of happiness focuses on external achievement and perfection, often leading to loneliness and burnout rather than fulfillment.

Building meaningful relationships and engaging in community fosters a sense of belonging that significantly enhances overall well-being and joy.

Shifting entrepreneurial focus from extrinsic validation to intrinsic motivations rooted in service can lead to more sustainable personal satisfaction.

Deep dives

The Old Model of Happiness

The traditional view of happiness promotes the idea that achieving perfection, accumulating wealth, and demonstrating independence are essential to leading a fulfilling life. This cultural belief places significant pressure on individuals to enhance their status and consume more rather than fostering genuine connections with others. As a consequence, many feel overwhelmed and experience burnout, neglecting meaningful relationships in pursuit of hollow achievements. Recognizing this outdated mindset is crucial for shifting toward a more authentic understanding of happiness that prioritizes intrinsic values over societal expectations.

Intro

2min

Redefining Happiness in Entrepreneurship

11min

Rethinking Happiness in a Competitive World

8min

Leveraging Digital Platforms for Entrepreneurial Success

5min

Building Resilience in Entrepreneurship

2min

Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Goals: Finding True Happiness

15min

The Power of Gratitude and Emotional Balance

8min

Finding Joy Amid Global Suffering

18min

Stephanie Harrison had a dream job in New York City, a beautiful apartment, and all the signs of success. But deep down, she felt empty. To find happiness, she worked hard at perfecting herself and achieving more, but all she found was loneliness, depression, and a lack of fulfillment. After going through a breakdown, she started studying the psychology of happiness and made changes that transformed her life. Taking what she learned, she founded The New Happy, a movement that has helped thousands of people find fulfillment. In this episode, Stephanie explains how living authentically, building connections, and focusing on giving back can lead to a happier life, even under the pressures of building a business.

In this episode, Hala and Stephanie will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction

(02:24) The Old Model of Happiness and Its Lies

(04:00) The Trap of Chasing Perfection

(06:43) Her Journey to Understanding Happiness

(10:56) Unhappiness in America

(12:20) Entrepreneurship and Mental Health

(13:00) The Real Cost of Capitalism on Well-Being

(15:00) What is 'The New Happy' Philosophy?

(18:00) Self-Worth: Finding Value Beyond Achievement

(21:59) Extrinsic vs. Intrinsic Goals: The Happiness Divide

(29:59) Practical Steps to Living Authentically

(30:00) A Daily Practice for Happiness

(34:00) Loneliness: A Lack of Giving, Not Just Receiving

(36:22) The Power of Gratitude

(49:19) Understanding Self-Worth

(55:05) The Key to Long-Term Happiness

Stephanie Harrison is the founder of The New Happy. With a Master's in Positive Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania, she also developed well-being programs as Director of Learning at Thrive Global. She’s the host of The New Happy Podcast and author of New Happy, where she debunks myths about success and shares a fresh, science-backed approach to joy. Stephanie's work has reached millions through social media, her book, and major platforms like Forbes and CNBC. She regularly speaks to leaders at Fortune 500 companies about creating supportive environments.

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Connect with Stephanie:

Stephanie’s Website: https://www.stephanielharrison.com/

Stephanie’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanieleighharrison