Dr. Robert Waldinger on The Harvard Happiness Study
The Harvard Study of Adult Development is an extraordinary scientific endeavour that began in 1938 and is still going strong. For over eight decades, the study has tracked the same individuals and…
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The Harvard Study of Adult Development is an extraordinary scientific endeavour that began in 1938 and is still going strong. For over eight decades, the study has tracked the same individuals and…
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We found that individuals who habitually pushed away problems and difficulties, or those who opted to ignore their issues or avoid confronting them, tended to suffer more and fared less well overall. On the other hand, those who confronted their troubles directly, often seeking the support of others to navigate through these challenges, were the ones who exhibited the highest levels of resilience.
— Robert J. WaldingerDirector of Harvard Study of Adult Development & Psychiatrist
What they meant was, 'Do you have someone at work with whom you can discuss personal matters?' Only 30% of workers affirmed they had such a connection at work. However, this 30% demonstrated significantly higher job engagement, superior performance, and less likelihood to leave their job for a more enticing offer.
— Robert J. WaldingerDirector of Harvard Study of Adult Development & Psychiatrist
One of my Zen mentors, Barry Magid, authored a book entitled 'Ending the Pursuit of Happiness'. In it, he criticises the concept of chasing happiness as a curative fantasy – the mistaken belief that happiness is an attainable, sustainable, and permanent state. The reality is, no one is in a state of perpetual happiness.
— Robert J. WaldingerDirector of Harvard Study of Adult Development & Psychiatrist
We found that those who enjoyed the best health, and not just the greatest happiness, were the individuals who had nurtured stronger relationships with others. From this, we deduced that those who put considerable effort into maintaining their relationships navigated life's challenges with greater ease.
— Robert J. WaldingerDirector of Harvard Study of Adult Development & Psychiatrist
When we crafted that phrase, it was because we saw a similarity with physical fitness. If you work out today, you don't return home and declare, 'Great, I'm finished, I never have to exercise again.' Staying fit requires ongoing commitment. In the same vein, we've discovered that those with the strongest social bonds are the individuals who diligently nurture them.
— Robert J. WaldingerDirector of Harvard Study of Adult Development & Psychiatrist
When our original participants reached approximately 80 years of age, we invited them to reflect on their lives. We asked, 'What are your greatest sources of pride, and what are your deepest regrets?' The predominant regret was the disproportionate time spent working and the inadequate time spent with loved ones.
— Robert J. WaldingerDirector of Harvard Study of Adult Development & Psychiatrist
Relationships are an emotional exchange hub. We bestow energy upon one another, help each other de-stress, and ignite joy in each other's lives. However, we must acknowledge that the digital realm filters out a significant portion of our emotional bandwidth.
— Robert J. WaldingerDirector of Harvard Study of Adult Development & Psychiatrist
When we crafted that phrase, it was because we saw a similarity with physical fitness. If you work out today, you don't return home and declare, 'Great, I'm finished, I never have to exercise again.' Those with the strongest social bonds diligently nurture them throughout their lives.
— Robert J. WaldingerDirector of Harvard Study of Adult Development & Psychiatrist
When our original participants reached approximately 80 years of age, we asked what are your greatest sources of pride, and what are your deepest regrets? The predominant regret was the disproportionate time spent working and the inadequate time spent with loved ones.
— Robert J. WaldingerDirector of Harvard Study of Adult Development & Psychiatrist
One of my Zen mentors authored a book entitled 'Ending the Pursuit of Happiness'. He criticises the concept of chasing happiness as a curative fantasy – the mistaken belief that happiness is an attainable, sustainable, and permanent state. No one is in a state of perpetual happiness.
— Robert J. WaldingerDirector of Harvard Study of Adult Development & Psychiatrist
We found that those who enjoyed the best health, and not just the greatest happiness, were the individuals who had nurtured stronger relationships with others. From this, we deduced that those who put considerable effort into maintaining their relationships navigated life's challenges with greater ease.
— Robert J. WaldingerDirector of Harvard Study of Adult Development & Psychiatrist