Working environments can deeply affect interpersonal relationships and personal well-being. When individuals are harsh on others, it often stems from their own harshness towards themselves, particularly in high-pressure settings. Changing the workplace culture can lead to healthier, supportive relationships among colleagues. The culture at ABC News, for instance, evolved from a notoriously combative atmosphere to a community where former colleagues became close friends who share personal lives outside work. The initial competitiveness could create a Hobbesian environment, where self-preservation often comes at the cost of collaboration. Nevertheless, navigating this intense competition requires a balance between maintaining professional boundaries and fostering camaraderie, ultimately leading to a more positive and supportive work environment.
Is happiness a learnable skill? 10% Happier author Dan Harris is here to share techniques for managing stress and finding contentment in a hectic world.
What We Discuss:
- Dan Harris shares his experience as a war correspondent and his struggle with anxiety and drug use that culminated in a panic attack on live television.
- The intense and often toxic work environment in network news, particularly during Dan's early career at ABC News.
- Dan's journey from cocaine addiction to discovering meditation and mindfulness as tools for managing stress and anxiety.
- The concept of "Papañca" (mental proliferation) and how it contributes to unnecessary suffering through overthinking and projection.
- Happiness is a learnable skill. Through various practices like meditation, therapy, exercise, and mindfulness, we can train our minds to be more resilient, peaceful, and content. As Dan emphasizes, we're not stuck with our current traits as if they're unalterable factory settings — they are trainable skills that we can improve upon throughout our lives.
- And much more...
Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/1044
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