This month’s featured TED Talk, “The Happy Secret to Better Work”, explores the ideas of happiness, perspective, and productivity. Presenter Shawn Achor has spent 12 years studying what makes people happy at Harvard University. Now, you might think, “why study happiness at Harvard, one of the most prestigious universities in the world, with a study body who are amongst the most privileged?”
Achor postulates that our external world (whether we’re at Harvard or at community college, lottery winners or retail workers) only accounts for 10% of our long-term happiness and 90% is based on the way our brain processes our situation. Check out the talk:
How is this relevant? While the summer is in full swing, many students have time to reflect on the year gone by. I think this is the perfect TED Talk to help determine the mindset you are going to have going into your next year. Whether it is course registration, decisions about majors, or career options – this TED Talk proves that having a positive perspective on your situation can make a massive difference to personal outcomes.
Rather than seeing a heavy course load as daunting, it can be seen as a result of attending an amazing institution for learning. Our peers can transform from competitors for class registration and careers, to fantastic opportunities to learn, grow, and network.
If the sheer thought of being happier is not enough to convince you, there are productivity benefits to processing our world with a positive lens. Achor states that our brain works 31% more productively when thinking with a positive perspective, over a negative, neutral, or stressed perspective. Extrapolated out to students, you could get through studying faster, learn material quicker, and (with that extra time) have a better social experience at university.
As you continue to think about the next year, be it school or work, remember to stay positive and truly appreciate the opportunities that are presented to you.
What do you think? Do you have any tips for staying positive while at UBC?
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