If it was easy to become truly happy, you’d already be there. But it’s more than that – conventional wisdom is often wrong, misguided, unscientific, or outdated.
HappierHuman is about taking the science of positive psychology, where double-blind, placebo controlled studies have proven what actually works, and making it accessible to all of you. But I’ll be honest, I’m still learning.
So, I asked the experts what works for them – those that have made a living out of studying happiness or one of its components: leaders in the field of positive psychology, master zen bloggers, and awesome book authors. This isn’t empty wisdom – these are really frikking happy people.
What’s one unusual or unconventional activity or attitude that’s helped you become a happier human?
Thank you! That’s an amazing collection of great ideas, activities, attitudes, and wisdom.
Now it’s your turn – what’s something unusual or unconventional that you do or are going to do in pursuit of happiness? Share your thoughts with a comment – I’m looking forward to joining you in your journey to become a Happier Human!
Read a great idea or just feeling good? Pass the happiness with the FB and Twitter buttons below. Thanks – I really appreciate it!
{ 15 comments… read them below or add one }
Great Post Amit!
Anytime I feel like i’m losing control of my life or i’m feeling low, i take pen to paper.
I make to do lists, life goals and pro con lists. I love assessing where I am, because I think that takes me one step further to where I want to go. AFTER the lists, I watch peter pan. =)
I think its the peter pan that does the trick
That’s a great activity though – writing has the power to clarify, motivate, and improve health (yes, it really does!).
Amit, thanks so much for including me in this inspiring post! You’ve collected a lot of terrific ideas here – thanks!
Absolutely, Bobbi! You’ve got plenty of great ideas to share.
I ended up learning a lot too! I’m going to try Seth’s mirror watching next week, I’ve applied Marcy’s – “ask what you love”, I’m actively seeking out those that inspire me, a la Scott, and so on.
Awesome! inspirational quotes and beautifully done! I look forward to reading more!
Thank you
What fun! I am so honored to be one of the 29 happy humans – esp. among this bunch. Great post. I shared on my facebook page.
Thank you
. Yup, I hope one day to be included in a post like this one!
Hey Amit!
Congrats on the blog launch! What a fantastic way to kick ‘er off. You had so many great quotes from some of my very favorite bloggers. And thanks for including me!
I’m not a big fan of caffeine – in fact I despise it
, but I love zen. It was a pleasure to include you and your great mindfulness reminder!
I’m not a fan either, actually – it gives me anxiety! Ha ha. Zen IS my caffeine. I’m fueled by mindfulness. Or I try my best anyway
Amit,
Awesome post, and thanks for including me with this amazing bunch of people.
I absolutely agree with Dani’s comment about the difference between Positivity and Happiness. Happiness is often too broad a term, and also the fact that sometimes we are not happy, does not necessarily mean that we are miserable. For example, I might be too excited, stressed and yet afraid at the same time if I am working on an important project which I really hope would succeed. With those emotions, and with the threat of uncertainty, I couldn’t say that I was happy – but that doesn’t mean those are not positive emotions.
The one comment that doesn’t work for me so much is Alex Blackwell’s not getting too excited about the Highs. I say, get excited. Celebrate the success. Of course, don’t let it go to your head, but it’s better to be happy over little things than trying to remain calm, collected and balanced.
You’re absolutely right. As I’ve used it, and as its used in common parlance, happiness is a vague, nebulous term that means little. I definitely need to define a more particular vocabulary. I’m only now starting to understand some of its components – optimism, mood, sense of meaning, sense of satisfaction, sense of flow, and accomplishment. There are probably some more I’m missing…
Yes, I also agree with your perspective of Alex’s quote. I think it’s good to use re-framing techniques to help manage the lows, and to celebrate the highs. One of the lessons I’ve learned from positive psychology that has had a huge impact on my behavior is learning to cherish all that is good in life. Yes, if we cherish but are also pessimistic, a high could be followed by a low, and because of the huge shift, the transition would be especially painful. But if we cherish but are continuously positive, I think we’re in for a happy ride
This is cool Amit, keep it up. Yoda quote was the best.
Here’s a semi related speech I really like from Denzel that you might like as well:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vpW2sGlCtaE
what a wonderful post
its great to see that you complied all these advice
great work
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