614: Shawn Achor | Leveraging the Happiness Advantage

Biological Basis

Shawn discusses how short positive habits can significantly impact our happiness and overall life. He explains that even a two-minute positive habit practiced for 21 days can make people more optimistic, regardless of their age or past experiences 1. This choice of happiness not only benefits the individual but also positively influences those around them due to the activation of mirror neurons 1.

We can get people to do very short habits, like a two-minute positive habit for 21 days. And within that period of 21 days, not only can we trump their genes, but we can do this with 84-year-old men and trump eight decades of experience.

--- Shawn Achor

Additionally, he highlights the paradox where people often believe that success will lead to happiness, but research shows that happiness actually precedes success 2.

   

Physical Effects

Shawn emphasizes the physical benefits of happiness, noting that it boosts the immune system and increases longevity. He explains that expressing optimism, both verbally and non-verbally, can change the social dynamics at work, allowing more people to feel comfortable being optimistic 3. This shift in attitude can lead to improved health outcomes and greater resilience.

The more people that choose to be verbally and non-verbally expressive of their optimism at work, it changes the social script.

--- Shawn Achor

He also discusses how stress impacts our health and how a positive mindset can mitigate these effects, even in high-stress environments like Wall Street 4.

   

Research Outcomes

Shawn shares significant findings from his research, demonstrating the real-world applications of happiness in various domains. He recounts how positive psychology has been embraced by different sectors, including the military and Fortune 100 companies, to improve performance and well-being 5. This research shows that happiness is not just a feel-good concept but a practical tool for success.

We found five of those happiness hacks so far that take less than two minutes a day that have done for 21 days in a row can trump your genes and can actually trump up to eight decades of experience.

--- Shawn Achor

He also introduces simple yet effective happiness hacks that can be integrated into daily routines to enhance overall well-being and success 6.