Happiness? Or Success? It seems we may have been led to believe that with success comes happiness. But I believe we may have gotten it wrong, especially after reading our latest book recommendation.
In a world that often prioritizes achievement, success, and the hustle to the top, happiness is frequently seen as a distant reward for those who finally achieve their goals. It's a mentality that pervades many professional environments, where the grind is glorified, and well-being is sacrificed in the name of productivity. But what if this approach is fundamentally flawed? What if the pursuit of happiness after success is actually a hindrance to both?
Shawn Achor, a leading expert on happiness and human potential, challenges this conventional wisdom in his book The Happiness Advantage. Through a combination of compelling research, personal anecdotes, and actionable strategies, Achor argues that happiness isn’t the result of success—rather, it’s the precursor to it. Happiness fuels success, creativity, and productivity, rather than being the byproduct. This reversal of the success-happiness equation is at the heart of Achor’s philosophy, and understanding this can be transformative, both personally and professionally.
Rewiring the Formula for Success
Achor’s central premise is simple but powerful: positive brains have a biological advantage over brains that are neutral or negative. When we are happy—when our mindset and mood are positive—we are smarter, more motivated, and thus more successful. Achor calls this phenomenon “The Happiness Advantage.”
This advantage stems from how our brains operate. When we are in a positive state of mind, our brains release dopamine and serotonin, chemicals that not only make us feel good but also enhance our cognitive functions—such as memory, attention, and learning. In essence, positivity enhances our brain's capabilities, making us more efficient and effective in everything we do.
Achor's research, conducted across multiple organizations and industries, consistently shows that employees who cultivate a positive mindset outperform their peers. They are more engaged, creative, and resilient. This doesn't just apply to individuals; teams and organizations that prioritize positivity see measurable improvements in performance and outcomes.
The Seven Principles of The Happiness Advantage
To help individuals and organizations harness the power of positivity, Achor outlines seven principles in The Happiness Advantage. These principles serve as a roadmap for cultivating happiness, which in turn leads to greater success.
1. The Happiness Advantage: As discussed, happiness fuels success, not the other way around. By prioritizing well-being, individuals can unlock higher levels of performance.
2. The Fulcrum and the Lever: This principle is about adjusting your mindset (the fulcrum) to maximize your potential (the lever). By shifting how you view the world, you can increase your capacity to achieve more.
3. The Tetris Effect: Named after the addictive game, this principle highlights the power of patterns. By training your brain to spot patterns of possibility and positivity, you can change your perspective and experience of the world.
4. Falling Up: This principle is about resilience. It encourages us to find ways to turn setbacks into opportunities for growth, rather than allowing them to drag us down.
5. The Zorro Circle: Achor suggests starting with small, manageable goals (the Zorro Circle) and gradually expanding your circle of influence. This builds momentum and prevents overwhelm.
6. The 20-Second Rule: This principle focuses on reducing barriers to positive behaviors. By making positive habits easier to start—by just 20 seconds—you can significantly increase the likelihood of sticking with them.
7. Social Investment: Positive social connections are one of the greatest predictors of happiness and success. Achor emphasizes the importance of investing in relationships and building a supportive social network.
Implementing the Happiness Advantage: Actionable Steps
Understanding these principles is only the first step. The real transformation occurs when we begin to apply them in our daily lives. Here are some actionable steps drawn from The Happiness Advantage that you can implement to start reaping the benefits of a positive mindset:
1. Practice Gratitude Daily
Gratitude is a powerful tool for shifting your mindset. Achor suggests writing down three things you're grateful for each day. This practice trains your brain to focus on the positive aspects of your life, gradually rewiring it to see more opportunities and fewer obstacles.
Action Step: Every morning or evening, take five minutes to write down three things you are grateful for. Be specific—this helps reinforce the positive patterns you're trying to build.
2. Exercise Regularly
Physical activity releases endorphins and other chemicals in the brain that improve mood and energy levels. It’s one of the most effective natural mood enhancers available.
Action Step: Commit to at least 20 minutes of physical activity each day. It doesn’t have to be intense; even a brisk walk can have significant benefits.
3. Meditate or Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness and meditation help you stay present and reduce stress. Regular practice can increase your awareness of negative thought patterns and give you the tools to shift them.
Action Step: Start with just five minutes of mindfulness or meditation each day. Apps like Headspace or Calm can be useful for beginners.
4. Use the 20-Second Rule to Build New Habits
If there’s a positive habit you want to build—such as reading more, exercising, or learning a new skill—make it easier to start. By reducing the activation energy required to initiate the habit, you increase the likelihood of following through.
Action Step: Identify one positive habit you want to cultivate. Then, reduce the effort it takes to start it by 20 seconds. For example, if you want to read more, place a book on your pillow in the morning so it’s the first thing you see at night.
5. Strengthen Social Connections
Investing in relationships is crucial for long-term happiness and success. Make an effort to connect with friends, family, or colleagues regularly. Even small interactions can have a big impact on your overall well-being.
Action Step: Set a goal to reach out to one person each day—whether it’s a quick text, a phone call, or a coffee meet-up. Prioritize quality over quantity in your interactions.
6. Reframe Challenges as Opportunities
The next time you face a setback, consciously reframe it as an opportunity to learn and grow. This shift in perspective can prevent you from becoming stuck in a negative mindset and helps you move forward more effectively.
Action Step: When you encounter a challenge, take a moment to identify one lesson or opportunity it presents. Write it down to solidify the reframe.
7. Focus on Small Wins
Instead of overwhelming yourself with large, daunting goals, start with small, manageable ones. As you achieve these small wins, you'll build confidence and momentum to tackle bigger challenges.
Action Step: Break down a big goal into smaller tasks and focus on completing one small task each day. Celebrate each small victory to maintain motivation.
The Happiness Advantage isn’t just a feel-good philosophy; it’s a science-backed approach to achieving success by prioritizing well-being. By cultivating positivity in your life and work, you can unlock greater creativity, productivity, and resilience. Implementing the principles and actionable steps from Shawn Achor’s book can help you not only achieve your goals but do so with a sense of fulfillment and joy that makes the journey worthwhile. It's really worth the read.
Start today by taking small steps towards a more positive mindset. Over time, these small changes will compound, leading to significant improvements in both your personal and professional life. Remember, happiness isn’t the end result—it’s the starting point. And when you begin from a place of happiness, the possibilities are truly endless.
Bonus: Shawn Achor, the author, has a great Ted Talk you might want to watch:
Comments