Ep. 358 - Hardwired for Happiness: Breaking Free from the Habit of Unhappiness with Ashish Kothari

In this enlightening episode of The Hi Felicia Podcast, I sit down with Ashish Kothari, author of Hardwired for Happiness and founder of the Happiness Squad. We dive into why so many of us have made unhappiness a habit, despite living in an era of unprecedented prosperity. Ashish unpacks the science behind why we’re becoming more hardwired for fear and unhappiness, and more importantly, how we can break this cycle. We also explore the powerful lessons from The 5 Regrets of the Dying and practical ways to cultivate happiness as a habit.

If you’re ready to rewire your brain for joy and meaning, this episode is a must-listen!

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

1. How We’ve Made Unhappiness a Habit

   • The subtle ways our daily routines, thoughts, and behaviors perpetuate unhappiness.

   • How to recognize and interrupt these patterns.

2. Why We’re Becoming Hardwired for Fear and Unhappiness

   • The role of societal pressure, technology, and our evolutionary wiring.

   • Why more prosperity doesn’t necessarily equal more happiness.

3. Building Happier Habits

   • Actionable steps to rewire your brain for joy and resilience.

   • How mindfulness, gratitude, and connection can transform your life.

4. Lessons from The 5 Regrets of the Dying

   • The life-changing wisdom shared by those at the end of their journeys.

   • How these regrets can guide us to live a more fulfilled life today.

Quotes from Ashish Kothari’s Book, Hardwired for Happiness:

• “Happiness is not a destination; it’s a skill we cultivate every day.”

• “Fear is hardwired into us for survival, but we’ve let it dominate our lives. It’s time to reclaim our joy.”

• “Small, intentional shifts in your habits can unlock a life of purpose and peace.”

• “When we connect deeply with ourselves and others, happiness flows naturally.”

Connect with Ashish Kothari:

• Instagram: @myhappinesssquad

• Website: Happiness Squad

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going: What resonated most with you from this episode? Share your thoughts on social media and tag me [@thehifeliciapodcast] and Ashish [@myhappinesssquad]!

Listen, Subscribe, and Review: If you loved this episode, please subscribe to The Hi Felicia Podcast and leave a 5-star rating and review on your favorite podcast platform. Your support helps us reach more listeners and spread the joy. Don’t forget to share this episode with a friend who could use some inspiration!

Thank You for Listening! Remember, happiness is a skill you can learn—and today is the perfect day to start. Tune in now for all the insights and inspiration from Ashish Kothari. Let’s build happier habits together!