Solo – The Single Person’s Guide to a Remarkable Life A Rich Remarkable Life (Again)
Jun 3, 2025
Dr. Erin Westgate, an assistant professor of psychology, dives into the idea of living a psychologically rich life. She and Peter McGraw discuss the thrill of embracing novelty and complexity instead of simply chasing happiness. They explore how solo travel and unconventional experiences can enrich one’s life. Erin also sheds light on how being single allows for spontaneity and meaningful connections, including the fascinating dynamics of polyamory. This vibrant conversation challenges listeners to redefine fulfillment and seek out diverse life experiences.
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Psychologically Rich Life Defined
- A psychologically rich life emphasizes novelty, complexity, and perspective-changing experiences rather than just happiness or meaning.
- It enriches life breadth-wise, not merely by length, fostering a more interesting existence.
Stability Limits Richness
- Too much stability can make life monotonous, leading to boredom despite happiness or meaning.
- Pursuing novelty and exploration combats this Groundhog Day effect but entails risk and uncertainty.
Embrace Challenge for Richness
- Seek variety and deliberate challenge to cultivate psychological richness.
- Embrace discomfort as an indicator of growth and rich experience rather than avoid it.
