We often design our lives according to what we think will make us successful in our endeavours. We do so because we think success and achievements will make us happy. Flourishing careers, the “perfect” weight, a beautiful house—it’s almost as if people are in a never-ending chase for their definition of success and then comes happiness. But what if it’s actually the other way around?
Readers, welcome back to another entry in AfMA’s Industry Leaders’ Must-Read Books and Podcasts! This month’s recommendation comes from Damian Panozza of Swinburne University, who suggested the book, “The Happiness Advantage” by Shawn Achor. Read on and let’s dive in!
THE HAPPINESS ADVANTAGE
Author Shawn Achor is a graduate of one of the world’s most prestigious schools, Harvard University. At Harvard, his fellow students would question his decision to study “happiness.” They believed a Harvard student would have every reason to be happy (Hogwarts-esque school architecture and all), but that wasn’t the case. Achor found that many students in Harvard were depressed.
Achor took a trip to Soweto, South Africa, where he visited “a school next to a shantytown where there was no electricity and scarce running water.” A far cry from Harvard, indeed. During his trip, the author gave a talk which he opened with: “Who here likes to do schoolwork?” To his surprise, the majority of the student audience raised their hands in glee.
Thinking the response was “weird,” Achor discovered that these students were happy at the thought of school because they considered it a privilege. They, like the author in Harvard, were grateful for the chance to study. This was an opportunity that was not available to their parents. That’s when Achor started to draw together his observations of the emotional states of Harvard students.
Interestingly, Achor found that “those who saw attending Harvard as a privilege seemed to shine even brighter” compared to students who were constantly bogged down by stress and pressure. Using this as the basis of his observation, he continued his studies and coined the term “the happiness advantage.” The happiness advantage refers to the notion that it is happiness that makes you successful. Happiness will not follow success but will instead fuel it.
“Happiness is a choice, happiness spreads, and happiness is an advantage.” – Shawn Achor
In his book, Achor delineates 7 key “patterns that predict success and achievement,” with the happiness advantage being the first. To summarise his 7 key points, focus and personal mindsets frame our capability to be happy. Focusing on the negatives, allowing stress to overwhelm you, isolating yourself from social support, and becoming “stuck” on negative behavioural patterns can inhibit our ability to feel happy. If we don’t feel happy, we are less likely to succeed.
HOW TO BE HAPPY?
Since the key to success is happiness, how can one be happy? Achor boils it down to 5 happiness habits:
- 3 Gratitudes – Writing down three things to be grateful for every day.
- The Doubler – Taking 2 minutes of your time to reflect on a “meaningful experience” that occurred in the last 24 hours.
- Fun Fifteen – Adding 15 minutes of cardio to your day
- Meditation – Taking another 2 minutes to re-center and “train your brain” to focus on the moment, doing away with the “negative effects of multitasking”
- Conscious Act of Kindness – Writing an email to thank or compliment somebody you know, boosting your social support network
According to the author, creating these small changes in your life can create a ripple effect. They may not seem much, but the effects of these small actions build up over time and expand your mind to build a positive and optimistic outlook. Once built, you’re now primed to experience happiness more often, increasing your chances at success.
The simplicity of Achor’s work is one of its most notable features. There isn’t a giant brain map or complicated recipe for success. Backed by years of research, Achor shows us that the human brain is simple, but often misunderstood. In a world where most people chase ultimate happiness, the author challenges this notion. Happiness is found from within, not in the distant future.
In teaching us that “happiness is an advantage,” Achor shows us that success is indeed achievable. By being mindful, grateful, and open to life, we become more enthusiastic and motivated to reach for opportunities and new ways of living. Not only will you boost your performance at work, but there’s even a chance you can inspire others to find their own happiness. Begin your happiness journey and pick up “The Happiness Advantage” at your preferred book or e-bookstore today!
For more on Shawn Achor’s book, watch his TEDtalk here.
Tune in next month for another entry in our Industry Leaders’ Must-Read Books and Podcasts series!
