What Makes a Good Life? Lessons From the Longest Study on Happiness

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Apr 4, 2024

Dr. Robert Waldinger, director of the Harvard Study of Adult Development and a psychiatrist, shares groundbreaking findings from an 86-year study on happiness. He discusses the crucial role of relationships and kindness in achieving a fulfilling life. Listeners will discover practical steps to foster emotional resilience and manage loneliness. Waldinger emphasizes that true happiness comes from connections rather than material success, challenging societal norms and advocating for a deeper appreciation of life's simplicity.

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INSIGHT

Material Possessions vs. Happiness

Societal messages about material possessions creating happiness are false.
These things offer temporary satisfaction, but true happiness lies in experiences and relationships.

INSIGHT

Comparison is the Thief of Joy

Comparing yourself to others diminishes happiness.
People who compare less are generally happier and more content.

ADVICE

Secure Attachments

Cultivate secure attachments where you feel supported during challenging times.
Everyone needs at least one person they can rely on, a "secure base."

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This one study will change how you think about your entire life.

Today, you’re getting the definitive answer to this powerful question:

What makes a good life?

There is nothing more important than this conversation. Because by the time you are done listening, your life won’t be the same.

In this episode, you’re getting the research, the secrets, and some very surprising takeaways from an 86-year-long study at Harvard. The Harvard Study of Adult Development began in 1938 and is the longest study that has ever been done on happiness, relationships, and the human experience.

Joining Mel today is the director of that study, Dr. Robert Waldinger, MD. Dr. Waldinger is a medical doctor, professor at Harvard Medical School, and a zen priest. He is here to share all of the groundbreaking research and, more importantly, give you the answers to what you need to do starting today in order to live a good life.

You’ll learn the best life advice and lessons from 100-year-olds, the surprising question of whether you can predict if you’ll be healthy at age 80, the simple daily habit that leads to lasting happiness, and more—all backed by decades of research.

For more resources, including the link to Dr. Waldinger’s fantastic book, The Good Life, click here for the podcast episode page.

This episode is a companion to Mel's brand new free training, Make It Happen.

This training is designed to help you make your next 6 months extraordinary. It includes a 29 page workbook and 2 video trainings that use the latest research to help you get clear about what you want and create a plan to make it happen.

And the cool part? It takes less than a minute for you to get started. Just sign up at melrobbins.com/makeithappen

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