Oprah and Arthur Brooks discuss the Friendship Pillar of Happiness, personality profiles, fulfilling careers, faith, and the power of love in this podcast.
Work should be seen as a means of creating value and serving others, rather than solely pursuing success or prestige.
Having faith or a sense of something larger than oneself is essential for building a happy life.
Deep dives
Importance of balancing work and other pillars of happiness
Work can either lift a person up or drain them. It is crucial to find the balance between work and other aspects of life, such as family, faith, and friendships. Work should be seen as a means of creating value and serving others, rather than solely pursuing success or prestige. Achieving happiness at work involves earning success, feeling recognized for one's contributions, and believing that one is making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
The significance of faith and spirituality
Having faith or a sense of something larger than oneself is essential for building a happy life. Faith does not necessarily need to be tied to a specific religion, but rather a belief in something transcendent and greater than personal existence. Connecting with the divine or higher power can provide comfort, meaning, and a sense of purpose. It is a journey of exploring and expanding one's understanding of spirituality, allowing for personal growth and a deeper connection with oneself and others.
The power of authentic friendships
Authentic friendships are vital for creating a fulfilling and happy life. True friends are those who genuinely care and support each other. Building and nurturing deep friendships requires investing time and effort to cultivate meaningful connections. It is about finding friends who share similar values and interests, and who provide unwavering support and companionship. These relationships serve as a source of love, understanding, and encouragement, contributing to overall well-being.
Teaching happiness to others
Sharing the journey of personal growth and happiness with loved ones, especially children, is a valuable endeavor. Rather than presenting oneself as entirely self-assured or perfect, being open about one's weaknesses, challenges, and ongoing pursuit of happiness can have a significant impact. As individuals continue to learn and grow, they can impart this knowledge and wisdom to their children, showing them the importance of self-improvement, resilience, and embracing the journey towards happiness.
This is the third and final Build the Life You Want Super Soul Podcast with Oprah and Arthur Brooks, co-authors of the #1 New York Times best-selling book, Build the Life You Want. Together, they talk with readers around the country about the “Friendship Pillar of Happiness” by uncovering the difference between “deal friends” and “real friends.” They discuss the PANAS test which readers can take to find out their personality profiles. Arthur Brooks asks, “Are you a Judge, a Poet, a Mad Scientist or a Cheerleader?” Then when discussing the “Work that Serves Pillar of Happiness,” Arthur Brooks reveals the two things you need to have for a fulfilling and happy career. Finally, Oprah and Arthur receive a thoughtful question from a reader about the intersection of science and religion in discussing the “Faith Pillar of Happiness” where Oprah says when it comes to happiness, “If you don’t believe in anything, you’ve just got to at least believe there’s something bigger than you.”