I started a 10 week course on Coursea that is provided by Yale on happiness. My hope is to not only improve my personal happiness (I had a score of 3.21 out of 5 which I would say is happy most of the time) and those of others. This work on happiness connects to my overall resolution goal for 2020. The first 4 points are from my class research that I had to read for studying.
- Coursea is super cool and I just happened across it. It allows you to take courses for free as a learner from many major universities. You can even get the actual certification certificate for taking the course if you want to pay for it. Cool right! So, of course this is my first point to include in 7 Point. If you end up signing up and take a great course, let me know about it! Let me know which course you signed up for, I might take it with you! Check it out here and sign up: https://www.coursera.org
- You ever been “nudged” before? What did that feel like when it was the government, a boss, or personal relationship you didn’t fully trust yet? We could see nudges as behavioral influencing. They can be both hurtful and helpful at the same time. Or, just hurtful. Interesting take on how nudges can help and be destructive in their use to modify social directions. Check it out here: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/should-governments-nudge-us-to-make-good-choices/
- Behavioral economics? Enter the FCA or Financial Conduct Authority as they are titled. A “nudge unit” that works to investigate ways to use behavioral ecom to improve policy. Yeah, my thoughts exactly. But, it’s happening whether you like it or not. Being aware of it makes you think differently. That’s the key. Because then you’re aware and you control the nudge. Check this out: https://www.economist.com/britain/2014/10/18/nudge-nudge-think-think
- Nudges and more nudges. This one is a little different then the first two as it defines behavioral nudges a little bit better. It defines the difference between nudging for good as well as ethical reasons. Not wrong or for misdirection. This made me feel less manipulated in my ignorance and more self-aware as how to use nudges responsibly in my spaces I work or play in. Check it out (see what I did there?): https://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/01/upshot/the-power-of-nudges-for-good-and-bad.html?_r=0
- Americans the most unhappiest in the world? Yup. According to this article. As I said above in the opening paragraph, after taking my Authentic Happiness Survey I found my happiness to be just a hair over 3 out of 5. That’s not exactly stellar as an American, but not terribly unhappy either. I can be happier. Here’s why this article thinks Americans are, you decide American or not here: https://abc13.com/archive/9000225/
- Need a video this week to watch or listen to on the new era of positive psychology? Great TED Talk on just that. In today’s depressing state of social news and FB feeds, we need positivity. Here’s the 11th reason to be optimistic. I’m still researching the first 10. Watch it here: https://www.ted.com/talks/martin_seligman_the_new_era_of_positive_psychology#t-28048
- Lastly, do you want to actually measure quantifiably your personal happiness level like I did? Knowing is half the battle right? You have to be honest as you answer or you’ll mess up your assessment. It’s kind of interesting and you won’t die, I promise. Take it here: www.authentichappiness.org
Hope you enjoyed what I learned from my Yale course this past week on happiness. I’m really excited about the next 9 weeks I have left in the course and how I can impact my scores for the better with education. With help, I can be closer to a 5 everyday. That would be amazing and where I want to be! If I can do that, I can help others do the same. Have great weekend!
✌🏻 Shawn
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