Here are my takeaways from Proefessor Laurie Santos's lecture on Psychology and the Good Life.

  1. GI Joe Fallacy: knowing is not half the battle, and knowledge must be acted upon
    • the journey to happiness requires a long term commitment, not just knowledge
  2. Our mind fools us that a higher salary will make us happier, but research shows us that this is not the truth.
    • happiness increases after you make above the poverty line, but after $75,000, there is no significant increase in happiness
    • people who seek out material goods are not happy
  3. Very happy people spend more time making social connections, and spend less time alone
  4. Happy people spend their time and money on others.
  5. Focus on the positives in my life instead of the negatives
  6. Make time for staying healthy (sleep, exercise, food)
  7. Be in the present, don't mind-wander!

Gratitude List

  • The opportunities I have
  • My education
  • Access to good infrastructure

Goals

  • Spend more time with my friends and family
  • Make time for gratitude every day
  • Tell people I am grateful for them
  • Pay attention to my surroundings and stay in the moment