The Secret to Happiness with Harvard professor Robert Waldinger | A Bit of Optimism Podcast

We all want to live a happy life, but what does research say about how to actually achieve it?

For more than 86 years, researchers at Harvard University have been trying to answer that question. In one of the longest-running and most comprehensive studies of human happiness, Harvard tracked 724 teenagers through every stage of their adult lives since 1938. Some of them are still alive today and the findings are clear: lasting happiness isn’t about wealth or fame—it’s about something much deeper.

Robert Waldinger, a professor and psychiatrist, has directed the study for over 20 years. His TED Talk about it went viral with nearly 50 million views, and in 2023, he wrote a book about it—"The Good Life: Lessons from the World's Longest Scientific Study of Happiness".

I asked Robert to share what the study has revealed about happiness over the decades, how its insights have shaped his own life, and the one essential ingredient for a joyful, meaningful existence.

This…is A Bit of Optimism.

To learn more about Robert and his work, check out:

⏰ Timestamps
0:00 An intro to the Harvard Study
1:37 How Bob came to lead the happiness study
3:13 What young people get right about happiness
6:06 Belonging to something bigger than yourself
10:32 The definition of community
14:29 How Bob has changed his own life
16:10 Who lived the longest and shortest lives?
19:58 Why Bob chose psychiatry, the stepchild of medicine
26:28 Should we run towards our passions?
31:06 The joy of work vs. the joy of outcomes
37:55 The role of money in happiness
42:29 The happiness of fame versus money
45:19 Two things we can do right now to be happier

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Simon is an unshakable optimist. He believes in a bright future and our ability to build it together.

Described as “a visionary thinker with a rare intellect,” Simon has devoted his professional life to help advance a vision of the world that does not yet exist; a world in which the vast majority of people wake up every single morning inspired, feel safe wherever they are and end the day fulfilled by the work that they do.

Simon is the author of multiple best-selling books including Start With Why, Leaders Eat Last, Together is Better, and The Infinite Game.

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Simon’s books:

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#SimonSinek

[MelindaTodd]

I LOVE that he finally addressed money having an impact. I get so tired of those who say it doesn't. When you can't meet your basic needs, the stress on your body can impact happiness.

[torgunique]

How wonderful it is that professor Waldinger is so open and honest about the way he feels! Such generosity, people nowadays even if they feel this genuine happiness inside from just having a conversation often don’t say it out loud, being shy or timid about it.
This conversation was pure pleasure intellectually and emotionally!

[lisfonseca]

One of the best conversations I've watched lately. A lesson on how to interview and get to know a person. I had already watched some interviews with Robert, but none compares to this one. Simon, you rock!

[runookiomah]

41:46 - "our undivided attention is the most basic form of love"💖 - I love how we can see Simon's mental gears actually turning in real time... This is the genesis of another book 📚 😅... the labor pains are coming soon Simon. It will be well worth it. Several of us will resonate with it and in social media frenzy our attention is all we have to offer 🎯💯

[faithsf]

Simon’s podcast is my walking companion. I rarely watch Youtube but love listening to his podcasts, always excellent and insightful discussions. This session is truly profound 🧐

[PureJadeKid]

Very worthwhile conversation. Thank you Simon and Robert. I'm glad I spent 2, 760 seconds of my time on it.

[carolinegitau]

Attention is the most basic form of love. Our undivided attention is the most valueble thing we've got to give. Watching this mind-blowing conversation from 🇰🇪. Thank you, Simon and Robert.

[bronwyntanner]

What an absolute pleasure to watch!! I loved every single second !! It was way too short! At least another 3 hours would have done it for me!!!! Attention - the most important thing you can give to anything and anyone. I have recently adopted a 5 month old puppy - neglected in first home - placed in another home where, after 3 days he wasn't wanted!! People suck! I brought him home. I have six dogs and a cat. You would have thought that none of them would be thrilled with the arrival of Zak who is like Tigger! With loads of attention, time, love, talking, playing, together with a lot of treats - seven days on - and we are all fine! The people at the place where he wasn't wanted told me he was untrainable. They have zero patience, tolerance and/or loving kindness. I run a business - I have to leave home - but then bounce in and out - and give time and attention. It works. Seven days in and we are all chilled. Its about committment and caring and time and attention and loving kindness. Thanks to you both for all that reassurance. I'm grateful for my energy and my joy in my life

[Corriethosaurus]

I’m so glad I found this podcast. Saw a clip of your conversation with Trevor Noah and IMMEDIATELY went looking for your series. It’s hard to stay engaged with current world events without burning out and feeling like everything’s falling apart sometimes, and it’s nice to be reminded of the good things in life still going on at the same time. Thank you for your hard work!

[runookiomah]

Final takeaway: 1. Engage with people 2. Engage in things you really care about = 3. Engage in things you really care about with people you really care about = Living a Happy Life 🎯... (in a nutshell) Thanks Simon & Prof. Robert

[jackgentil]

In my journey of growing, This is the best podcast on this channel and very fruitful for this young generation of ours. Many thanks to you @Simon Sinek.
blessings ahead of your Journey.

[elinorvargas]

The passion gives you the drive to push through the hard work. The result is the reward (internal or external) that gives you the desire to do it again. Another great conversation! Thank you Simon.

[caffestudios]

I loved everything about that interview. ❤ Great minds can expand consciousness and that’s what the world needs right now. 💫🥰

[timesanity]

Love this discussion. At one point Simon is talking about parenthood and the less attractive parts of it...all the responsibility of dealing with problems. Then someone says something to you about how your kid is so helpful and how they are making a difference and suddenly that "drudge" disappears. When my daughter (who has always lived very much "out loud") was in grade school and often mouthy with me when she got home from school, I had a regular parent teacher meeting, and the teacher was clearly smitten with my daughter. She was telling me what a joy she was in the classroom, how she always went out of her way to be sure everyone was "included" in activities, that she always had such a sunny disposition. My response was instinctive: My daughter is Shannon...long blonde curly hair. Are we talking about the same kid? And I WAS SERIOUS! LOL

[lillotta]

"We don't know how to belong, without making other people enemies." So true. Tx*

[priyangikasilva]

WOW 😮 What an incredible video I have been watching. Thank you Simon and Robert. Absolutely worth watching. This is the TRUE HAPPINESS ☺️

[MissBrowne-si]

The joy and intellect were indeed contagious and worth the time. Thanks gents! Keep building what matters and contributes well

[AkeSatia]

Delightfully, this episode is about not only happiness but also living well.
The insight on why building community is an inclusive undertaking, not an exclusive act, is spot on!

Thank you for embarking on adventurous learning journeys and bringing others along... What a journeyman of life who is a thematic and vast explorer does :)

[ashalkaish]

Excellent pabulum. Enriches our faculties.

[maureenroy]

I have always been a late bloomer. I am nearly 60 and I have finally found a solid work opportunity that compensates me for my skills. I was a late bloomers because I am an introvert who like to perfect her skills. It was a long road, but it doesn't matter now that I have arrived. So, spending time protecting my skills was my path. It wasn't popular, but it worked. Thanks for this podcast. Salons will be next on my agenda.