I really enjoy Shawn Achor talking about happiness. Firstly, there is pleasant simplicity in wishing happiness for everyone. But, there is also reason behind it. If you are happy you are more likely to show success from your actions – because, for example, you are more creative within your profession. And anyway, clearly there are worse places to start from than a position of being happy.
The second reason I like this talk is that Shawn has a really down to earth way of talking about happiness. It is not illusive. It is there for the taking. Happiness is doable. Third, there is a really cool list of things proven to help the brain develop a steady happy state and therefore be more ready to be productive in whatever it does. This list includes some of my already favourite ‘happy-makers’ such as noting gratitude’s and undertaking random acts of kindness.
Lastly, Shawn delivers one of the fastest TED talks on my short-list of favourites. (I prefer a slower speaker to be honest). Partly this pacey delivery is his way, I suspect. Also he has lot to cover in one 12 minute talk – including the humour. Oh yes, the jokes makes you more happy. Making someone laugh whilst talking to them about happiness is like a double chocolate cake – seems excessive but actually very effective! But the jokes are delivered with pace so don’t miss them. Oh and look out for the unicorn. Unicorns make some people really happy…