Introduction
In his TED Talk, “The Happy Secret to Better Work,” Shawn Achor significantly overturns the conventional wisdom that working hard leads to success, which leads to happiness. Instead, Achor suggests that happiness is a precursor to success, particularly in the context of work. He argues that we can enhance our work performance and productivity by becoming happy. This essay will explore Achor’s argument, examine the evidence he provides, and reflect on which strategies for becoming happy might be effective for me.
TED Talk Analysis
Achor’s presentation is grounded in positive psychology, which examines what makes life most worth living. He explains that the traditional formula of work leading to success and success leading to happiness is flawed because each time we achieve success, our brain changes the goalpost of what success looks like. If happiness is always on the opposite side of success, we never get there. Instead, it suggests that we need to reverse the formula.
According to Achor, when we are happy, our brains become more engaged, creative, motivated, energetic, resilient, and productive at work. He supports his argument with a variety of evidence from research studies. One such piece of evidence is the “Dopamine Flood” effect, where positive brains are flooded with dopamine, a chemical that makes us feel good and turns on all the learning centers in the brain. This enables us to adapt to the world differently and become more effective at our tasks.
Moreover, Achor cites a study in which doctors primed to be positive before making a diagnosis showed almost three times more intelligence and creativity than doctors in a neutral state, making accurate diagnoses 19% faster. This example illustrates that happiness can directly impact the efficiency and effectiveness of our work.
During his presentation, Achor details various effective methods to cultivate a more positive mindset through brain training. He suggests implementing daily gratitude exercises, where you note three new things you’re thankful for over 21 days, to rewire your brain for a more optimistic and successful approach to work. Additionally, Achor recommends journaling about a positive event from the last 24 hours to encourage your brain to revisit that moment, reinforcing the importance of such positive behaviors.
Regular physical activity is another strategy, as it signals to your brain the significance of your actions. Meditation is advised to counteract the ‘cultural ADHD’ that comes from attempting to juggle multiple tasks at once, helping your mind to concentrate on the present. Lastly, Achor suggests performing random acts of kindness, such as sending a positive email to express gratitude or praise to someone within your social circle. This can significantly enhance your sense of social support (Achor).
Reflecting on these strategies, the one that resonates most with me is the practice of gratitude exercises. Taking time each day to reflect on what I am grateful for can shift my focus from what I lack to what I have, fostering a sense of abundance and contentment. Gratitude has been shown to increase happiness levels, and by focusing on the positive aspects of my life, I can approach work with a more optimistic and energized mindset.
Meditation is another strategy that I believe would work for me (Brower). In a world of constant connectivity and distraction, quieting the mind and focusing on the present moment is a valuable skill. Meditation can help reduce stress, improve concentration, and foster a sense of well-being, enhancing my effectiveness at work.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Achor’s TED Talk provides compelling evidence that happiness is not just a result of success but a precursor to it. By adopting practices that promote positivity, such as gratitude exercises and meditation, we can enhance our happiness and work performance.
Works Cited
Achor, Shawn. “The Happy Secret to Better Work.” TED Talks. Web.
Brower, Tracy. The Secrets to Happiness at Work: How to Choose and Create Purpose and Fulfillment in Your Work. Sourcebooks, Inc., 2021.