In 'Solve for Happy,' Mo Gawdat applies his engineering mindset to the problem of happiness. He argues that happiness is a thought process and can be achieved by aligning our perceptions with our expectations. The book introduces the 6-7-5 Model, which involves dispelling six grand illusions, removing seven blind spots, and embracing five ultimate truths. Gawdat shares practical strategies such as cultivating awareness, accepting change, and practicing unconditional love. His approach is grounded in mindfulness and positive psychology, offering readers a roadmap to individual happiness despite life's challenges[2][3][5].
This book, written by Dr. John Gray, uses the metaphor of men being from Mars and women from Venus to explain the fundamental psychological differences between the sexes. Based on years of successful counseling, it helps couples transform their relationships by acknowledging and respecting these differences. The book provides insights into how men and women respond to stress, their communication styles, and their emotional needs, offering practical advice on how to communicate without conflicts and foster intimacy.
In 'Feel-Good Productivity,' Dr. Ali Abdaal challenges the conventional notion that productivity is about hard work and discipline. Instead, he argues that the secret to productivity is feeling good. Drawing on decades of psychological research, Abdaal introduces the three hidden 'energisers' that underpin enjoyable productivity, the three 'blockers' to overcome procrastination, and the three 'sustainers' to prevent burnout. The book includes inspiring stories from founders, Olympians, and Nobel-winning scientists and provides simple, actionable changes to make work more enjoyable and sustainable. Abdaal's approach focuses on cultivating a deeper energy for work, balancing well-being with productivity, and enjoying the journey.
The Happiness Advantage challenges conventional wisdom that success leads to happiness. Instead, Shawn Achor presents evidence-based strategies showing that happiness is the precursor to success. Drawing on original research, including one of the largest studies of happiness ever conducted, Achor outlines seven practical principles such as the Tetris Effect, the Zorro Circle, and Social Investment. These principles help readers rewire their brains for positivity and optimism, leading to improved performance, creativity, and overall well-being in both personal and professional life.
The book is divided into two parts. The first part recounts Frankl's harrowing experiences as a prisoner in Nazi concentration camps, including Auschwitz, between 1942 and 1945. He describes the inhumane conditions and the psychological and emotional struggles of the prisoners. The second part introduces Frankl's theory of logotherapy, which posits that the primary human drive is the search for meaning, rather than pleasure. Frankl argues that meaning can be found through three main avenues: work (doing something significant), love (caring for another), and suffering (finding meaning in one's own suffering). The book emphasizes the importance of finding purpose and meaning in life, even in the most adverse conditions, as a key factor in survival and personal growth.
In 'That Little Voice in Your Head', Mo Gawdat provides a comprehensive user manual for using the human brain optimally to thrive and avoid suffering. Drawing on his expertise in programming and neuroscience, Gawdat explains how to change thought processes, turning greed into generosity and apathy into compassion. The book includes exercises to help readers reshape their mental processes and move away from the misconceptions of modern life, inspired by the life of his late son, Ali.
If you take control over your brain, you can do anything - but what’s the formula?
Some moments in life fundamentally change the way you think about the world - that’s what this conversation with Mo Gawdat did for me and what I’m certain it will do for you too.
Mo is the former Chief Business Officer of Google X, Google's moonshot factory of innovation, a prolific researcher and writer on the topic of happiness and has an incredibly touching story.
In 2014, Mo lost his son Ali unexpectedly during a routine medical procedure. Days after, Mo set off on a mission to solve one of the biggest problems of our time, by pouring his research into the international best selling book, ‘Solve For Happy: Engineer Your Path To Joy’ - the audiobook brought me to tears.
#OneBillionHappy is his moonshot attempt to honour Ali by spreading the message that happiness can be learned and shared with one simple technique: the happiness equation.
For the next 90 minutes I ask you to forget everything you’ve learned about happiness from the modern world until now. In the episode we talk about a lot of things, things that may sit uncomfortably with some people, but also have the potential to be truly life changing.
00:00 Intro
2:16 Writing a book about happiness after losing your son
07:37 Battling the negativity bias instinct
10:42 Is happiness a choice?
19:59 The difference between happiness and fun
31:07 Understanding the happiness equation and unhappiness
39:23 Do lower expectations make us happier?
43:01 How should we manage ambitions?
57:00 You are born a millionaire
01:01:31 Is solve for happy the domain of the privileged?
01:09:00 Relationships: life is a question of context
01:15:22 Feminine vs masculine energy
🔔 Sign up to Cohort 6 of my Part-Time YouTuber Academy: https://academy.aliabdaal.com/
🔗 CONNECT WITH MO
🎥 YouTube Channel
🐦 Twitter
📸 Instagram
💻 Website
🎙 Slo Mo Podcast
😊 Solve For Happy: Engineer Your Path To Joy
🗣 That Little Voice In Your Head
🔗 CONNECT WITH ALI
🎥 YouTube Channel
🐦 Twitter
📸 Instagram
💻 Website
👥 Linkedin
Find the show notes and the transcript on the website: https://aliabdaal.com/podcast/
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📚Check out my New York Times Bestselling book Feel-Good Productivity!
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