To say that happiness requires an intentional pursuit isn’t new, but today I share insights from the 2024 U.S. State of Happiness Report that validates the idea that happiness requires you to be intentional. I discuss factors that influence happiness, while examining data on generational trends, that provide us with actionable steps to build connections and joy in everyday life. I share research that shows how Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, and Boomers view happiness differently. It’s a good one!

Key Points Discussed in This Episode:

00:00 Introduction

00:05 U.S. Happiness Study 2024

00:57 Universal Happiness Factors

01:32 Generational Differences in Happiness

02:08 Building Connections and Relationships

02:16 Challenges in Adult Relationships

03:06 Work Environment and Happiness

03:25 Intentional Happiness Strategies

04:32 Creating Your Happiness List

05:32 Reflecting on Past Joys

06:09 Adapting Happiness Over Time

07:29 Daily Pursuit of Happiness

07:46 Weekly Challenge and Community Engagement

08:38 Final Thoughts and Community Sharing

Curious about what else affects happiness at home and in the workplace? Check out more of the 2024 State of Happiness Report here: https://www.speakmichelle.com/research

In today’s episode, I’m sharing all there is to know about resilience and why it should be considered a critical skill in the workplace, not just a personal trait. I share how resilience impacts productivity, teamwork, employee engagement, and present research findings that debunk the myth that resilience is merely a 'soft skill'.

Key Points Discussed in This Episode:

00:00 The Rollerblading Tale

02:08 Lessons from Embarrassment

03:37 Resilience in Life and Business

03:45 Research Findings on Resilience

05:51 Recommendations for Organizations

07:36 Training Methods for Resilience

10:08 The Importance of a Resilient Environment

11:31 Final Words

To learn more about resilience and its role in your life, download the 2024 State of Happiness Report. This comprehensive report includes an infographic and a three-video series about why happiness is a business challenge, complete with strategies to foster a happier and more productive team. Get it all sent straight to your inbox!

And make sure to follow @bethehappyist on Instagram where I share data-backed actions to take to grow your resilience reserves.

In today’s quick discussion, I take you back to my first taste of entrepreneurship as a kid. It was a fun experience that got me hooked on the idea of being my own boss. I learned some valuable lessons about money, happiness, and what gives life meaning—lessons that still resonate today. In this episode, I chat about how each of our financial situations affect our feelings, and the connection between a higher income and feeling more fulfilled. I answer the age-old question: “Can money really buy happiness?” with data I pulled from my 2024 State of Happiness Study.

Join me as I discuss ways you can create joy and satisfaction in your life, no matter where you stand financially.

00:00 - Introduction: Childhood Money Memories

01:30 - Money and A Sense of Purpose

02:02 - Financial Stressors in Modern Times

03:08 - Income, Education, and Happiness

03:49 - Finding Purpose Beyond Money

06:39 - The Joy of Giving Back

07:07 - Conclusion: Control Your Happiness

To learn more about the intricate relationship between money and happiness, download the 2024 State of Happiness Report. This comprehensive report includes an infographic and a three-video series about why happiness is a business challenge, complete with strategies to foster a happier and more productive team. Get it all sent straight to your inbox!

Today I’m talking about "stretch capacity"—an analogy comparing your ability to handle the stressors and challenges of daily life to the elasticity of rubber bands. Join me as l discuss how everyone has different limits and how these limits are tied to resilience.

Key Points Covered in This Episode:

00:00 Introduction to Stretch Capacity

01:08 The Importance of Resilience

02:50 Impact of Current Events

03:31 Building Resilience Reserves: Three Principles

03:50 Principle 1: Focus on Habits

05:57 Principle 2: Movement

07:36 Principle 3: Practicing Gratitude

11:52 Conclusion and Resources

Call to Action:

If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review. Share this podcast with friends or colleagues who could benefit from learning about happiness and resilience. For more resources, visit my website https://www.speakmichelle.com/research

Follow Me on Social Media:

@SpeakMichelle

@bethehappyist

In today’s episode, I’m tackling a pressing issue—why women aren't as happy as men and what we can do about it. In my recent Happiness Research Study I conducted, I uncovered some surprising statistics about the happiness differences between men and women. And in this episode I explore factors contributing to these differences including confidence, career choices, and sense of connection. If you feel your happiness is lacking to that of your male counterparts, this episode is for YOU.

00:00 - Men’s Happiness vs. Women’s

00:23 - Statistical Differences

01:09 - Factors Affecting Happiness

03:51 - The Role of Connection

06:36 - Call to Action

These findings were nothing short of fascinating, and I was thrilled to share more on these insights with Fox 13 The Place earlier this month. Give it a watch and let me know what you think!

And don't forget to subscribe to the podcast for more insightful episodes. If you found this discussion helpful, please share it with your friends and family. Your support helps me reach more people and spread valuable insights on happiness.

Follow me on social media and join the conversation:

Instagram: @speakmichelle & @bethehappyist

In today's episode, I discuss how comparing yourself to others can be a significant hindrance to your happiness and overall well-being. I explore the effects of social comparison, backed by research findings on happiness, and provide practical strategies to reclaim your joy and focus on your own path.

00:00 Introduction to Happiness Research

00:18 Workplace Interactions and Happiness

01:26 Impact of Social Media and Comparison

03:49 Strategies to Reclaim Your Happiness

03:56 Conclusion: Honor Your Path

Let's face it - a lot of our happiness is affected by others, or at least perceived to be affected by others. That's what I discovered (and talk about!) in my 2024 State of Happiness research report. It's time we change that and reclaim our happiness.

In today’s episode, I share a personal story that touched me a few years ago about a memorable trip to Disneyland with my dad. He taught me the importance of having a sense of purpose and how it can significantly enhance the satisfaction of life. I share actionable advice to help you create and maintain a sense of purpose in your daily life that will bring you longer lasting joy and happiness.

00:00 - A Disneyland Trip to Remember

02:38 - The Meaning of Life

04:14 - Finding Purpose in Everyday Moments

06:12 - The Crossing Guard with a Difference

08:37 - The Impact of Small Acts

09:14 - Creating Your Own Sense of Purpose

Looking for more ways to find happiness? Check out the findings in our groundbreaking happiness and resilience research, and follow along as we share the findings at www.speakmichelle.com/research.

Have you ever encountered someone completely captivated by a newfound hobby? Now, imagine that same devotion, but applied to the pursuit of happiness because that’s where I find myself right now! Eager to share my discoveries with you.

My enthusiasm for happiness runs deep, and now, equipped with compelling evidence from my 2024 State of Happiness Study, I am more driven than ever to spread the joy.

And that’s precisely what I do in today’s episode!

00:00 - Introduction

00:34 - Personal Background

01:23 - Key Statistics

01:42 - Significance of Happiness

04:10 - Actionable Tips

05:44 - Episode Wrap-up

Feeling inspired to add more happiness to your life? Make sure to subscribe to the podcast for more doable tips backed by actual research!

Remember, happiness is contagious; let's spread it far and wide!