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Growth12 min

The happy secret to better work

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  • SpeakerShawn Achor
  • Length12 min
  • TopicGrowth
  • Key notes6

About this talk

Psychologist Shawn Achor argues we have the formula backwards: we think success will make us happy, but a positive brain works better first. In a fast and funny talk, he shares simple daily habits that can train your brain towards the positive.

  • 12 min
  • Growth
  • by Shawn Achor
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Key notes

What to take away.

  1. 01
    Don't study only the average

    Achor looks at the people above the curve to learn how to lift everyone up.

  2. 02
    Your lens shapes your reality

    How your brain processes the world matters more for long-term happiness than your outside circumstances.

  3. 03
    Success keeps moving the goalposts

    If happiness waits on the other side of success, your brain never gets there.

  4. 04
    The happiness advantage

    A brain at positive works better than one that is negative, neutral or stressed: more creative, more energetic, more productive.

  5. 05
    Three new things

    Write down three new things you're grateful for each day for 21 days.

  6. 06
    Small habits that help

    Journal about one good moment, exercise, meditate, and send one positive email thanking someone.

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