Would introverts be better off if they acted more like extraverts?
bsp; Yes: People enjoy acting extraverted, and this seems to apply equally across the dispositional introversion-extraversion dimension (Fleeson, Malanos, & Achille, 2002). It follows that dispositional introverts might improve their happiness by acting more extraverted, yet little research has examined potential costs of this strategy. In two studies, we assessed dispositions, randomly assigned participants to act introverted or extraverted, and examined costs—both emotional (concurrent negative affect) and cognitive (Stroop performance). Results replicated and extended past findings suggesting that acting extraverted…
1 min read
Are relationships improved more by how we support people in bad times or good times?
od times. Via The Happiness Advantage: The Seven Principles of Positive Psychology That Fuel Success and Performance at Work: We all know that an important part of maintaining a social bond is being there, both physically and emotionally, when someone is in need. But an interesting new body of research suggests that how we support people during good times, more than bad times, affects the quality of a relationship. Sharing upbeat news with someone is called “capitalization,” and it helps…
2 minutes
What’s your average Harvard student’s sex life like?
a The Happiness Advantage: The Seven Principles of Positive Psychology That Fuel Success and Performance at Work: Based on my study of Harvard undergraduates, the average number of romantic relationships over four years is less than one. The average number of sexual partners, if you’re curious, is 0.5 per student. (I have no idea what 0.5 sexual partners means, but it sounds like the scientific equivalent of second base.) In my survey, I found that among these brilliant Harvard students,…
1 min read
Should you hire people based on how optimistic they are?
lespeople hired based on optimism alone outsold their more pessimistic counterparts by 57%: Via The Happiness Advantage: The Seven Principles of Positive Psychology That Fuel Success and Performance at Work: ...testing revealed that the agents with more optimistic styles sold 37 percent more insurance than those with pessimistic ones, and that the most optimistic agents actually sold fully 88 percent more than the most pessimistic ones. Furthermore, agents who were more optimistic were half as likely to quit as were…
1 min read
Is there a reverse PTSD? Do traumatic events ever improve our lives?
bsp; Yes: Via The Happiness Advantage: The Seven Principles of Positive Psychology That Fuel Success and Performance at Work: Thanks to this study, today we can say for certain, not just anecdotally, that great suffering or trauma can actually lead to great positive change across a wide range of experiences. After the March 11, 2004, train bombings in Madrid, for example, psychologists found many residents experienced positive psychological growth. So too do the majority of women diagnosed with breast cancer.…
1 min read
What can you do today that will increase your happiness for the rest of the week?
bsp; Do 5 little nice things for others. Via The Happiness Advantage: The Seven Principles of Positive Psychology That Fuel Success and Performance at Work: ...individuals told to complete five acts of kindness over the course of a day report feeling much happier than control groups and that the feeling lasts for many subsequent days, far after the exercise is over. To try this yourself, pick one day a week and make a point of committing five acts of kindness.…
1 min read
What’s the best, most entertaining video on how to be happier?
is one: Shawn Achor is the author of the wonderful book: The Happiness Advantage. Join 25K+ readers. Get a free weekly update via email here. Related posts: 10 things you need to know to be happier 8 ways that money can buy happiness How to make yourself happier in just a few seconds
1 min read
Is success due to “what you know” or “who you know”?
telligence is more predictive of long term career success than coming from a wealthy family or a privileged socio-economic group. Via Eurekalert: Conventional wisdom tells us that in the business world, "you are who you know" — your social background and professional networks outweigh talent when it comes to career success. But according to a Tel Aviv University researcher, making the right connection only gets your foot in the door. Your future success is entirely up to you, says Prof.…
1 min read
