The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos

“Can You Train Your Mind to Be Happier?” (with Dr Tal Ben-Shahar)

304 snips
Aug 18, 2025
Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar, a leading expert in positive psychology and co-founder of the Happiness Studies Academy, shares insights on training your mind for greater happiness. He reveals that only 30% of happiness is genetic, emphasizing the power of positive mindsets and behaviors. The discussion includes the vital role of social interactions, gratitude, and small daily rituals in enhancing well-being. Tal also highlights the importance of cultivating connections in a digital age, advocating for meaningful conversations to combat loneliness and foster joy.
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ANECDOTE

Pivot From Cognition To Student Mental Health

  • Laurie Santos became head of college at Yale and saw the student mental-health crisis up close.
  • That role led her to create the viral course Psychology and the Good Life to help students.
INSIGHT

Happiness Is Partly Inborn — Mostly Trainable

  • Happiness has both genetic and changeable components; heritability is roughly 30%.
  • Most variation is not genetic, so behaviors and mindsets offer large leverage for change.
ADVICE

Practice Gratitude And Notice Small Delights

  • Do a daily gratitude or 'delight' practice to train attention toward positives.
  • Write or notice small pleasures (coffee warmth, a laugh) to counter the brain's negativity bias.
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