Creative Maladjustment: Embracing creative maladjustment means feeling anger at societal injustices and letting that drive hope for change. By channeling frustration into positive action, individuals can foster kindness and promote a better future.
Martin Luther King Jr. emphasized the necessity of being creatively maladjusted in the face of injustice. Instead of simply accepting societal issues like racism and inequality, he argued for a proactive approach, encouraging individuals to feel anger about these real problems. This anger should drive hope and inspire actions for positive change. For instance, Katie Fahey felt disheartened about the Flint water crisis, realizing that indifference could not solve the problem. She began to channel her frustration into a desire for community improvement. Understanding the psychological importance of feeling upset about injustices helps people move away from complacency toward meaningful action that can lead to a better future. In essence, acknowledging anger can foster constructive change, promoting kindness and cooperation within society rather than letting cynicism and powerlessness take control.
Engagement Opportunity: A significant portion of Americans feel exhausted by politics and disengage, but encouraging civic involvement could lead to positive change and improved political discourse.
Many Americans feel exhausted by politics, leading to disengagement and cynicism about the democratic process. This 'exhausted majority,' making up around 67% of the population, doesn't see political issues as wars but simply wants everyday life to improve. They often feel that politics is corrupt and that their efforts don't matter, resulting in apathy. However, there is an opportunity for transformation; if this exhausted group becomes more engaged, it could lead to meaningful conversations and change. Activists Emily Amick and Sammy Sage are working to inspire this engagement through their guide, "Democracy in Retrograde," advocating for a healthier political discourse and encouraging civic involvement as a fulfilling part of life, rather than an overwhelming chore.
Connect and Inspire: Many people underestimate how much others share their beliefs, leading to feelings of isolation. By having conversations with friends about important issues, we can inspire action and strengthen democracy, making it clear we’re not alone in our values.
Many people feel alone in their beliefs about important issues like climate change and equality because they mistakenly think that most others disagree with them. However, research shows that people often underestimate shared values in society. By talking more openly with friends about these issues, we can connect and inspire each other to take action. This approach, known as relational organizing, is far more effective than traditional methods for increasing political engagement. It helps strengthen our democratic opportunities and counters feelings of isolation. When we realize how many people support the same causes, it can motivate us to work together towards change and oppose any authoritarian tendencies that thrive on division and disconnection. Essentially, building relationships and engaging in meaningful conversations can empower us to realize that we are not alone in our beliefs and encourage collective action for a better future.
Civic Connection: Civic engagement builds personal connections and community support. Even small efforts, like Katie's post about gerrymandering, can unite people passionate about change, showing that anyone can initiate meaningful dialogue and action.
Engaging in civic life is not only about helping others; it brings personal rewards too. When individuals connect over common issues, they build valuable relationships and support networks. Katie Fahey's experience shows that even small outreach efforts can spark significant action. By simply asking for support online regarding gerrymandering, she united a community of like-minded people who felt alone in their concerns. Although the journey was daunting and uncertain, this collaboration highlighted that anyone can initiate change by taking the first step to engage with their neighbors. Civic engagement enriches our lives and strengthens democracy, encouraging more people to voice their concerns and collectively work towards solutions. In difficult times, such connections become invaluable and demonstrate the power of community.
Innovative Advocacy: A Michigan group innovatively engaged the public to challenge gerrymandering, gathering 440,000 signatures and achieving 61% voter approval, inspiring similar movements nationwide.
Through collaboration and creativity, a group in Michigan successfully gathered over 440,000 signatures to challenge gerrymandering. By utilizing unique outreach methods, like custom clipboards and community events, they were able to engage people in discussions about redistricting. Their efforts resulted in a significant 61% voter approval for their cause, inspiring similar movements across the country, from healthcare advocacy to political reforms.
Hope Through Action: Taking political action can inspire hope and foster connections, showing that change is possible through collective efforts and collaboration among diverse individuals.
Many people feel overwhelmed and cynical about current events, thinking that change is impossible. However, stories of individuals taking action, like the badass grandmas fighting for ethics reforms, show that hope and collaboration can lead to positive outcomes. Connecting with others who share a commitment to improvement can inspire a sense of responsibility and purpose. Even if the path to change seems narrow or difficult, many Americans are willing to contribute their efforts to make their communities better. Recognizing that we aren't alone in our struggles and that there are shared goals can spark hope and potential for progress. Political action not only influences society but also boosts personal happiness. It's essential to keep seeking causes that resonate with us and create connections with others who are also striving for a better future. Together, we can ignite hope.
How to Make a Difference (Happily)
The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos
178 Episodes
Recent Episodes from The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos
Advice from The Titans of Happiness on World Mental Health Day
The biggest names in wellness podcasting - "The Titans of Happiness" - come together to talk about the greatest mental health challenges facing us in 2024 and the very simple things we can all do to be happier.
Joining Dr Laurie Santos for this World Mental Health Day special are:
Dr Joy Harden Bradford, the clinical psychologist and host of the podcast Therapy for Black Girls.
Gretchen Ruben, the best-selling author, host of Happier with Gretchen Rubin and all-round happiness guru at GretchenRubin.com.
Dan Harris, the former TV news anchor who now fronts 10% Happier with Dan Harris and the online community at Dan Harris.com.
And since this is an extra special episode, Dr Laurie invited one extra special guest, Sesame Street’s Elmo.
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How to Make a Difference (Happily)
We often assume that we can’t fix the big problems we see in the world around us. And that trying is for suckers - who’ll just end up sad, exhausted and defeated.
Dr Laurie Santos and Dr Jamil Zaki meet people who have tried to make a difference in their communities - often against great odds - and have found the process made them happier and more hopeful.
Jamil's book Hope for Cynics: The Surprising Science of Human Goodness is out now.
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How to Disagree Better
It feels like our world is deeply polarized. We seem to fundamentally disagree with so many people - and with those disputes comes anger and hatred. Can anything bridge these yawning divides?
It turns out that we aren’t as divided as all that. Our minds often fool us into thinking we disagree with people more than is actually true. Dr Laurie Santos and Dr Jamil Zaki look at ways we can tame this misconception and get on with people who think a little differently to us.
Jamil's book Hope for Cynics: The Surprising Science of Human Goodness is out now.
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Survival of the Fittest... or the Kindest?
Some people think they need to be ruthless and selfish to thrive and survive in life. The theories of Charles Darwin are often wrongly interpreted to support this view that being competitive is the key to happiness and success. It isn’t.
Dr Laurie Santos and Dr Jamil Zaki find that there are plenty of examples in the animal kingdom and human world where cooperation, kindness and compassion prove to be the winning strategy.
Jamil's book Hope for Cynics: The Surprising Science of Human Goodness is out now.
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How to Find Hope in a Cynical World
It’s hard to stay hopeful these days. Stanford professor Jamil Zaki has been studying the incredible depth of human kindness for decades, but even he gives in to cynicism when he doubts our ability to be civil and cooperative.
That’s a shame - because shedding cynicism and grasping hope will make you happier and healthier. Jamil and Dr Laurie Santos look at the scientific evidence showing that we should be more trusting of other people and optimistic about our facility to work together.
Jamil's book Hope for Cynics: The Surprising Science of Human Goodness is out now.
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Find Hope and Banish Cynicism... Coming Sept 9
It's hard to stay hopeful sometimes. Things can look pretty bleak and divided, especially around election time. But if you're losing hope in your fellow humans, stop and listen to the science. Other people are kinder, friendlier and more co-operative than you might think.
Using insights from his new book Hope for Cynics: The Surprising Science of Human Goodness, Stanford's Jamil Zaki joins Dr Laurie Santos for a special season to show why we shouldn't be so cynical about our fellow citizens and why being more open and trusting can help us live happier and healthier lives.
The series begins Sept 9.
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"Happiness Is Like A Leaky Tire" from Immigrantly
We're bringing you an episode of Immigrantly, where Laurie joined host Saadia Khan to discuss the psychology of happiness education and the expansive realm of happiness. Is happiness a fleeting moment or a sustained state of being? Can it be actively cultivated, or is it an innate aspect of human existence? How do our backgrounds, personalities, and choices influence our perceptions of happiness? Laurie and Saadia openly discuss cultural considerations when exploring happiness, the difference between contentment and happiness, Gen Z’s perception of happiness, and how to achieve zen mode.
Immigrantly is a weekly podcast that celebrates the extraordinariness of immigrant life. They do this by providing their listeners with authentic, unvarnished insights into the immigrant identity in America. Immigrantly has garnered significant recognition and has been featured in renowned media outlets such as the Nieman Storyboard, The Guardian, The Slowdown, and CNN. You can get more information at http://immigrantlypod.com
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The Happiness Lessons Helping Win Olympic Medals
America's top athletes need coaches. And those coaches themselves need guidance. It's a hard and stressful job - and one where coaches can easily become burned out and unhappy. And stressed coaches can't help their athletes win medals.
Christine Bolger and Emilie Lazenby of the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee teach happiness lessons - many they heard on this podcast - to America's elite coaches. They share their story with Dr Laurie and tell us what regular folk can learn from top coaches.
Check out more Olympics related content from Pushkin Industries and iHeartPodcasts here.
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Pushkin Goes to the Olympics
Legends are made at the Olympics and this summer shows across the Pushkin network are bringing their unique takes to Olympic stories. This special episode includes excerpts from a few: a Cautionary Tale about underestimating female marathoners, a Jesse Owens story from Revisionist History’s series on Hitler’s Olympics, and—from What’s Your Problem—the new technology that’s helping Olympic athletes get stronger.
Check out other show feeds as well, the Happiness Lab and A Slight Change of Plans are also going to the Games.
Sylvia Blemker of Springbok Analytics on What’s Your Problem
The Women Who Broke the Marathon Taboo on Cautionary Tales
Hitler’s Olympics from Revisionist History
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The Happiness of the Long Distance Runner
Georgia Bell was a great runner as a child - but in college she fell out of love with the sport. She hung up her running shoes - and they gathered dust until Covid hit and she began to run again for fun. Turns out that aged 30, she's one of the fastest women in the world and is now headed to the Olympics!
Georgia tells Dr Laurie Santos how she regained her enthusiasm for the 1500m race - and reflects on the happiness lessons she's picked up in her dramatic return to the very pinnacle of her sport.
Check out more Olympics related content from Pushkin Industries and iHeartPodcasts here.
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