Stephanie Harrison - How to Get Happiness Right in a World That’s Got it Wrong
Jul 5, 2024
auto_awesome
Stephanie Harrison, well-being expert, challenges societal beliefs on happiness and emphasizes intrinsic goals over extrinsic ones. She highlights the power of connection and helping others for personal fulfillment and advocates for sharing, setting boundaries, and giving back to create a more supportive world.
Challenge societal norms for authentic happiness by reevaluating individual worth and interconnectedness.
Pursue intrinsic goals aligned with personal interests for lasting fulfillment and psychological well-being.
Leverage humanity, talent, and wisdom as gifts to promote happiness, setting boundaries for sustainable well-being.
Deep dives
New Happy Philosophy - A Science-Based Exploration of Happiness
The New Happy philosophy, developed by Stephanie Harrison, challenges traditional perceptions of happiness. Rooted in positive psychology, Harrison's personal journey from unhappiness led her to develop a research-backed philosophy focusing on understanding what truly makes life fulfilling and meaningful. The urgent need for well-being in today's challenging world, especially amidst the pandemic, highlights the relevance of redefining happiness. The talk delves into the origins of true happiness and the means to embody it in daily life. Harrison's emphasis on positive psychology stems from her personal quest to unlock joy and purpose, a transformation reflected in her research-driven insights.
Reevaluating Happiness and Self-Worth in a Societal Context
Old Happy, the societal conditioning that emphasizes individualism, capitalism, and domination, distorts beliefs about happiness. Stephanie Harrison challenges the conventional idea that success and self-worth are based on separateness and achievements. The talk underscores the need to dismantle these societal forces to realign with authentic happiness. The mismatch between societal narratives and individual well-being underscores the importance of reevaluating choices and self-perceptions. The societal influences of separation and comparison contribute to misplaced self-worth, urging a shift towards recognizing inherent value and interconnectedness.
Nurturing Intrinsic Goals and Fostering Well-Being
Contrary to external markers of success, Stephanie Harrison advocates pursuing intrinsic goals aligned with personal interests and growth. Intrinsic goals, unlike extrinsic achievements, offer long-lasting satisfaction and fulfillment. Recognizing individual passions, meaningful projects, and contributions to the community fosters psychological well-being. The journey towards intrinsic fulfillment requires untangling societal expectations of success from genuine personal aspirations. Aligning goals with personal values promotes a sense of purpose and joy in the pursuit of meaningful endeavors.
Using Humanity, Talent, and Wisdom to Cultivate Happiness
Stephanie Harrison proposes leveraging three core gifts—humanity, talent, and wisdom—to create happiness for oneself and others. Acknowledging individual character traits, talents, and life experiences as unique gifts enhances well-being. Sharing these gifts through acts of kindness, personal accomplishments, and imparting wisdom contributes to personal growth and collective happiness. Embracing one's humanity, nurturing talents, and sharing acquired wisdom form the foundation for enriching one's life and fostering a positive impact on the world. Embracing and reciprocating these gifts can create a virtuous cycle of happiness and fulfillment.
Reframing Help, Boundaries, and Interconnectedness for Sustainable Happiness
Stephanie Harrison advocates for a balanced approach to giving, setting boundaries, and fostering interconnectedness for sustainable happiness. Understanding self-determination in giving allows individuals to establish boundaries and prioritize self-care while contributing to others' well-being. Balancing personal needs with altruistic actions nurtures a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Establishing boundaries, cultivating giving behaviors, and acknowledging interconnectedness with others form a holistic framework for long-term happiness and well-being. Prioritizing self-care and reciprocal relationships enhances individual and collective flourishing.
In a society where stress and competition run rampant, how can we find a more fulfilling sense of happiness? Well-being expert and founder of The New Happy Stephanie Harrison joins us to not only address societal woes but also share what we can do about them. Drawing on her background in positive psychology, Stephanie sheds new light on prevailing concepts—from misconceptions of Maslow's hierarchy to the rat race of capitalism—and reveals how we can move away from rigid societal rhythms to find our own path towards happiness.
