Discovering the Science of Well-Being
When the COVID-19 pandemic shook up the whole world in the Spring of 2020, Yale University in partnership with the Coursera platform offered a free course, the Science of Well-Being. In early April, I enrolled in the course, as I thought this would be a great opportunity for me to learn more about the science behind well-being, to use the program as a guide and support during the uncertainty that was kicking in, as well as share insights from the course with family and clients.
Yale psychology professor Laurie Santos created a masterpiece of information and learning that started as Psychology and the Good Life. It became the most popular class ever taught in Yale University’s 317-year history. She re-invented the course to The Science of Well-Being and partnered with the Coursera platform to offer the course for free to non-Yale students.
What did the course entail?
Santos' course was a blend of positive psychology and behavioral science. What I thought makes people happy was not happiness at all – the material possessions, like the big house and the fancy cars – but in fact, it was the achievable successes evolving from the right habits that truly make us happy.
Throughout the 10-week course I took a happiness assessment twice to see if I became happier as I went through the course. Surprisingly, my happiness score when down slightly which I attribute to a couple of things: 1) pressuring myself for a higher score out of the gate so I would do “well” with the course (it actually has nothing to do with the course grade) and 2) the realities of COVID-19 sinking in over these past several weeks.
We learned about the distortions we have of our expectations, how to overcome biases and strategies to put everything into practice. We had weekly re-wirement activities (exercises to build happy habits managed through an app) to help with creating healthy habits around gratitude and meditation. As a result of this course I now do a nightly meditation exercise just before going to sleep which has definitely helped with getting a better sleep.
How does the course tie back to my work?
In our Individual Development Program, aside from career role and vision, we recommend that clients take a look at their health and well-being. Assessing happiness and incorporating re-wirement activities into my daily routine is certainly something I plan on recommending to my clients.
Lots of surprises. I’m a big proponent of the mantra (throwing in my nightly meditation language), “If it’s to be it’s up to me.” These changes as with all changes in life must start with the individual wanting to make change happen. I continually share this “mantra” with my clients and will continue to align this mindset with clients regularly.
Lots of learning can happen online. This program was 100% online. I didn’t feel like I missed a beat and was able to incorporate the “lessons” into my schedule. I could rewind and re-watch specific lectures, and I’ve completed the course with a notebook full of helpful notes. At WorkLife Consulting we are pivoting to provide more online opportunities for our clients. More to come shortly.
Continuous learning. The more we take time to learn new things and incorporate new language into our day-to-day experiences the better we all will be. Our Bob Dylan quote we share often – “those ain’t busy being born are busy dying,” is one of our favorites and is certainly what this course gave me. I enjoy learning and growing but on my own terms.
When I enrolled, I chose to earn an electronic certificate ($49), to add it to my LinkedIn profile. I’m proud of my accomplishment and not only do I want to share this with others, but I hope to encourage those I’m connected with to take time for themselves by taking this course. I can’t guarantee that you’ll be happier but integrating the habits discussed in the course will help set you on a new path.