Discover the keys to unlocking true happiness Denise and co-host Samantha Powell, delve into Mo Gawdat's enlightening perspective from "Solve for Happy." Our minds are intricate labyrinths, and it's easy to confuse the tools of our thoughts for the essence of who we are. In a candid chat, Denise and Sam explore this distinctive notion, offering you a fresh outlook on the transient nature of emotions and the illusionary veil that thoughts often cast over our reality. This episode guides you through the maze, detaching from the internal chatter and approaching life with a newfound sense of neutrality that paves the way to joy.

Ever find yourself stuck in a loop of negative thoughts and inaction? We've all been there, but this conversation sheds light on the science behind why our brains get caught in these cycles and, more importantly, how to break free. With insights into the complex network of neurons that shape our thinking patterns, we discuss practical strategies that can help you step out of paralysis and into a world of proactive living. From the 'suffering cycle' to mindfulness, this episode unpacks the emotional tools that lead to a more fulfilling and productive life, featuring an up-close and personal story that brings the theory into the tangible.

Wrapping up our journey, we challenge the myth of multitasking and advocate the art of single-tasking, which can significantly boost your focus and efficiency. The mantra 'shut the duck up' becomes your ally in silencing mental noise, and I share a simple yet powerful mindfulness exercise that cultivates presence and enhances personal productivity. Our discussion on positive thinking, backed by research, might just be the nudge you need to adopt the 'fake it till you make it' mindset. So, tune into this episode for an engaging escape into the realms of the mind—because the pathway to happiness is just a thought away.

Additional Resources:

Order: Solve for Happy

The How of Happiness website

The Passion Planner
Passion Planner discount code: RWRD.IO/EFWYE73?C

Denise Russo's Website
www.schoolofthoughts.net

Denise Russo's Forbes Articles
Forbes Article Link

Samantha Powell's Website and Blog
Lead The Game

Connect with us on LinkedIn:
Denise Russo
Andy Hughes
Samantha Powell
School of Thoughts

Where you can subscribe and listen:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify

Connect with us on our LinkedIn page School of Thoughts . We also value your reviews, subscribing, and sharing our podcast "What's On Your Bookshelf?" on Apple and Spotify.

Subscribe to our new YouTube channel.

Have you ever felt like happiness is a puzzle you just can't solve? Join Denise Russo and co-host, Sam Powell, as they journey through Mo Gawdat's enlightening book "Solve for Happy," dissecting the roots of our emotional states from confusion to joy. In our latest episode, we compare thoughts to seeds—each one capable of growing into a strong, resilient tree or a pestilent weed. Sharing from the heart, Sam and I intertwine personal stories of weathering life’s storms, underscoring the importance of a mindset that stands firm in the face of adversity, fostering growth and, ultimately, happiness.

Denise and Sam unravel the intricate web of emotional states that define our lives, using gardening as a metaphor for the cultivation of our mental well-being. As we navigate the spectrum from confusion to joy, we discuss how early experiences shape our adult lives and ponder the ways we can guide ourselves out of states of suffering. The conversation takes us through the thorny path of negative thoughts, which need to be addressed at their root, and the art of growing through adversity instead of seeking distraction in escape.

In their chapter discussion, they leave you with seeds of thought that, once planted, can bloom into a personal model of happiness. I extend heartfelt thanks for the wisdom shared and the perspectives gained. We invite you to engage with the transformative ideas from Mo Gawdat's work, and, as you tend to your own garden of thoughts, may you too find your own version of happiness. Check the show notes for links to "Solve for Happy" and additional resources that can further nourish your journey.

Additional Resources:

Order: Solve for Happy

The How of Happiness website

The Passion Planner
Passion Planner discount code: RWRD.IO/EFWYE73?C

Denise Russo's Website
www.schoolofthoughts.net

Denise Russo's Forbes Articles
Forbes Article Link

Samantha Powell's Website and Blog
Lead The Game

Connect with us on LinkedIn:
Denise Russo
Andy Hughes
Samantha Powell
School of Thoughts

Where you can subscribe and listen:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
Amazon Music
Podcast Index
Podcast Addict

Connect with us on our LinkedIn page School of Thoughts . We also value your reviews, subscribing, and sharing our podcast "What's On Your Bookshelf?" on Apple and Spotify.

Subscribe to our new YouTube channel.

Can happiness truly be solved like a mathematical equation? That's the tantalizing promise of our latest discussion on "What's On Your Bookshelf," where Denise Russo and Sam Powell dissect the happiness equation from "Solve for Happy." We challenge the myths that cloud our understanding of joy, suggesting that contentment isn't just a fortunate coincidence but our natural state of being. As we share tales from our own lives and those of the famous, we uncover that success may follow happiness, not the other way around. Join us as we swap stories and insights on how shedding old habits and embracing new perspectives can steer us toward a life brimming with joy.

Have you ever considered that your expectations might be the thief of your contentment? This episode takes a deep look at the role perceptions and expectations play in our happiness, drawing a line between our life's events and the stories we tell ourselves about them. Reversing negative thoughts and experiences might just be the key to reclaiming our innate happiness. Our discussion is peppered with both celebrity anecdotes and our personal journeys, as we illustrate that true success is often a byproduct of happiness, not its precursor.

Wrapping up with an exploration of happiness versus suffering, we reflect on the poignant lessons from Miley Cyrus's Grammy-winning moment. We share a poignant exercise that involves drafting a 'happy list', highlighting the importance of recognizing what genuinely brings us joy. I offer a glimpse into my own list, emphasizing faith, family, and life's simple joys. We conclude by pondering the narratives that shape our emotional landscape, and how we have the power to rewrite them in pursuit of a happier life. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation that celebrates the stories from our bookshelves and their capacity to stir a gamut of emotions, guiding us closer to happiness.

Additional Resources:

Order: Solve for Happy

The How of Happiness website

The Passion Planner
Passion Planner discount code: RWRD.IO/EFWYE73?C

Denise Russo's Website
www.schoolofthoughts.net

Denise Russo's Forbes Articles
Forbes Article Link

Samantha Powell's Website and Blog
Lead The Game

Connect with us on LinkedIn:
Denise Russo
Andy Hughes
Samantha Powell
School of Thoughts

Where you can subscribe and listen:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify

Connect with us on our LinkedIn page School of Thoughts . We also value your reviews, subscribing, and sharing our podcast "What's On Your Bookshelf?" on Apple and Spotify.

Subscribe to our new YouTube channel.

Embark on a transformative journey with Denise Russo and Sam Powell, as they unravel the secrets of living a joy-filled life in our latest podcast episode discussing Mo Gawdat's "Solve for Happy." They're merging heart and science to dissect Gawdat's engineering approach to happiness, sharing how this method is revolutionizing our own lives. Gawdat, with his dual lens as a grieving father and a sharp-minded Google executive, crafts a poignant narrative that challenges traditional views of success and invites a redefinition of contentment that's both personal and universal.

This episode isn't just about theorizing; it's about real-life applications. They share powerful stories and practical strategies that promise to guide you toward a more fulfilled existence. As they compare notes with "The How of Happiness," they analyze the myths that obstruct our path to joy, emphasizing how our relationships and reactions to life's hurdles significantly shape our happiness. Join Denise and Sam as they present a fresh perspective on crafting a life that's not just successful, but also truly satisfying.
Additional Resources:


Order: Solve for Happy

The How of Happiness website

The Passion Planner
Passion Planner discount code: RWRD.IO/EFWYE73?C

Denise Russo's Website
www.schoolofthoughts.net

Denise Russo's Forbes Articles
Forbes Article Link

Samantha Powell's Website and Blog
Lead The Game

Connect with us on LinkedIn:
Denise Russo
Andy Hughes
Samantha Powell
School of Thoughts

Where you can subscribe and listen:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
Amazon Music
Podcast Index
Podcast Addict

Connect with us on our LinkedIn page School of Thoughts . We also value your reviews, subscribing, and sharing our podcast "What's On Your Bookshelf?" on Apple and Spotify.

Subscribe to our new YouTube channel.

Have you ever found yourself stuck in a happiness rut, where even your favorite activities start to feel like a chore? Join Denise Russo and Samantha Powell, as we share the results of our deep dive into "The How of Happiness," and discuss the power of self-experimentation in keeping the joy alive in our daily routines. In this episode, we explore how integrating happiness activities thoughtfully can prevent them from growing stale, and I recount tales from my music industry days to illustrate how passions can wane and the importance of rekindling that fire.

Relationships are the bedrock of our well-being, and in our conversation, we examine the massive influence they hold over our personal joy. We reflect on our own experiences and the wisdom gleaned from various readings, emphasizing the need for building strong social connections. With anecdotes and insights, we illustrate how shared experiences can amplify our happiness. Furthermore, we dissect the crucial roles of motivation, effort, and commitment in personal growth, and Samantha eloquently dissects how each choice we make is a building block of our identity.

Finally, we tackle the topic of habit formation and its direct impact on happiness, pulling from the lessons in "Atomic Habits" and "The How of Happiness." I reveal my personal strategies for incorporating gratitude seamlessly into my daily life, and we set the stage for our next literary adventure with Mo Gawdat's "Solve for Happy." As we sign off, we express our heartfelt gratitude to you, our listeners, and eagerly invite your thoughts and feedback. Tune in for a blend of storytelling and analysis that promises to equip you with the skills to find joy, even when life throws you curveballs.

Additional Resources:

The How of Happiness website

Order the next book in the podcast series: Solve for Happy

The Passion Planner
Passion Planner discount code: RWRD.IO/EFWYE73?C

Denise Russo's Website
www.schoolofthoughts.net

Denise Russo's Forbes Articles
Forbes Article Link

Samantha Powell's Website and Blog
Lead The Game

Connect with us on LinkedIn:
Denise Russo
Andy Hughes
Samantha Powell
School of Thoughts

Where you can subscribe and listen:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
Amazon Music
Podcast Index

Connect with us on our LinkedIn page School of Thoughts . We also value your reviews, subscribing, and sharing our podcast "What's On Your Bookshelf?" on Apple and Spotify.

Subscribe to our new YouTube channel.

Have you ever considered that the secret to lasting happiness might be hiding in plain sight, awaiting your discovery? That's exactly what Denise Russo and Samantha Powell help you uncover in our latest podcast episode. We bid farewell to our enlightening series on Dr. Sonja Lyubomirsky's "The How of Happiness," where we've unraveled the intricacies of joy and how to maintain it. By exploring the happiness pie chart, you'll learn about the 40% of happiness within your control and how to weave the five "hows" into the fabric of your identity. We also delve into the potential life-altering impact of happiness education in schools, offering a profound reflection on how these teachings could sculpt a society brimming with well-being and purpose.

Join Denise and Sam on a venture into the realm of positive activities where everyday life blossoms with contentment. Imagine forging a path where routine moments transform into building blocks for flourishing happiness, inspired by the principles of Ikigai and positive psychology. We discuss the creation of 'upward spirals' of well-being through positive emotions, and the art of habit stacking as a method to secure a positive mindset, tipping our hat to the insights from 'Atomic Habits.' The conversation takes an intriguing turn as we discuss the smartest ways to utilize financial windfalls for boosting happiness, guiding you towards investing in experiences that offer lasting delight. Embrace this conversation, as we equip you with the insights and habits that promise the bliss of sustained happiness.

Additional Resources:

The How of Happiness website

Order the next book in the podcast series: Solve for Happy

The Passion Planner
Passion Planner discount code: RWRD.IO/EFWYE73?C

Denise Russo's Website
www.schoolofthoughts.net

Denise Russo's Forbes Articles
Forbes Article Link

Samantha Powell's Website and Blog
Lead The Game

Connect with us on LinkedIn:
Denise Russo
Andy Hughes
Samantha Powell
School of Thoughts

Where you can subscribe and listen:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
Amazon Music
Podcast Index
Podcast Addict

Connect with us on our LinkedIn page School of Thoughts . We also value your reviews, subscribing, and sharing our podcast "What's On Your Bookshelf?" on Apple and Spotify.

Subscribe to our new YouTube channel.

Embarking on a spiritual journey often leaves one awash with a sense of contentment; it's an experience I've come to cherish through my personal morning devotion rituals. This week, we invite you into a realm where happiness intertwines with religion and spirituality, exploring the profound impact these elements have on our well-being. Inspired by Happiness Activities 11 and 12 from Sonja Lyubomirsky's "The How of Happiness," we discuss how being part of a faith community often correlates with increased happiness and health, and how this practice extends beyond the confines of traditional religious doctrine to a personal relationship with the divine.

The quest for meaning and purpose in our lives is a universal pursuit, one that can often feel like navigating through a labyrinth. But what if the compass you need lies within the power of faith and spirituality? In this conversation, we delve into the psychological evidence suggesting that active participation in spiritual practices can lead to longer, healthier lives and provide profound comfort during life's most challenging times. We also reflect on the importance of community and meaning, how they support us through life's twists and turns, and the dual nature of religion as both a source of solace and, at times, sorrow.

As we gear up for next week's episode, we're thrilled to tease our discussions on meditation and mindfulness, complementing this week's insights on prayer and sacred rituals. Our friend Michelle King will also join us for special episodes on "The 12-Week Year," offering strategies for personal growth and living a truly fulfilling life. Stick with us as we navigate these transformative practices, striving to not just find happiness but to thrive in it, day after day.

Connect with us on our LinkedIn page School of Thoughts . We also value your reviews, subscribing, and sharing our podcast "What's On Your Bookshelf?" on Apple and Spotify.

Subscribe to our new YouTube channel.

Discover the secret to a joyous life that doesn't just hinge on reaching goals, but on the exhilarating process of pursuing them. Our engaging discussion peels back the layers on how goal-setting can magnify your happiness. We share candid insights from "The How of Happiness," where personal anecdotes converge with expert advice, revealing that the real treasure lies in setting goals true to your core values and relishing the strides you make toward them. This episode promises a fresh perspective on the bliss found in the chase, not just the catch.

As we talk through the art of crafting flexible, approachable goals, you'll understand the significance of evolving aspirations that dance to the rhythm of your life's changes. We'll show you how to infuse happiness into even the most mundane of tasks and how to align your professional and personal worlds for a more satisfying existence. With Denise Russo's expertise in coaching, we illuminate pathways for those ready to embrace transformation and offer guidance for a life brimming with fulfillment. Tune in for an invigorating conversation that might just be the catalyst for your next joyful leap.

Additional Resources:

The How of Happiness website

Order the next book in the podcast series: Solve for Happy

The Passion Planner
Passion Planner discount code: RWRD.IO/EFWYE73?C

Denise Russo's Website
www.schoolofthoughts.net

Denise Russo's Forbes Articles
Forbes Article Link

Samantha Powell's Website and Blog
Lead The Game

Connect with us on LinkedIn:
Denise Russo
Andy Hughes
Samantha Powell
School of Thoughts

Where you can subscribe and listen:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
Amazon Music
Podcast Index
Podcast Addict

Connect with us on our LinkedIn page School of Thoughts . We also value your reviews, subscribing, and sharing our podcast "What's On Your Bookshelf?" on Apple and Spotify.

Subscribe to our new YouTube channel.