Happiness by Design: Paul Dolan

This conversation is about recognising that the stories and narratives we tell ourselves about what should make us happy – high status, millions of social media followers, billions in the bank – are often inaccurate. Instead – we need to start paying attention to what does make us happy – for example, spending time with friends, connection, pro-social acts of kindness and altruism, playing sport, listening to music … the list goes on. Paul Dolan is a behavioural scientist and author of the bestselling book Happiness By Design and Happy Ever After. His motto? "Do things that bring you pleasure or purpose. If they don't - stop doing them." So, in this episode we discuss: Letting go of stories and paying attention to our experiences How willpower is weak but design power is strong – what that means and how you can harness it in your own life Why you need to put your phone away and stop recording at gigs and festivals (it interrupts your 'flow of experience') Reaching narratives - and how the belief that X in the future will make us happy is an illusion Why pro-social acts need to be celebrated Why we should spend time designing our lives to increase the amount of time spent doing things that provide pleasure or purpose The power of environment and how to harness it The importance of acceptance and recognising we are all fallible human beings And much more! **Warning** this episode contains swearing and adult themes Please do share this episode with anyone who may benefit, and rate and review wherever you get your podcasts. It makes a big difference and is hugely appreciated. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices