Mo Gawdat's Happiness Formula: Retrain Your Brain to Be Happy Now

Is happiness a choice? And if so, can it be engineered? Mo Gawdat, former Chief Business Officer of Google X and founder of One Billion Happy, believes this is true. In fact, he's used his three decades of success in the tech industry to engineer his very own "happiness algorithm" to help all of us achieve this mind frame.
Gawdat began his mission to conquer happiness after experiencing the ultimate tragedy. In 2014, Mo suddenly lost his beloved son, Ali, which thrust him into depression and an existential reckoning with life's fragility. Rather than succumbing to this ultimate despair, Gawdat turned his grief into a catalyst for transformation. He soon embarked on a profound journey of self-discovery and healing, driven by a newfound mission to spread happiness and well-being to the world.
Drawing from his personal experience and extensive research, Mo has authored the international bestseller "Solve for Happy: Engineer Your Path to Joy” and continues to champion his message of happiness to millions worldwide. Via his writing, speaking engagements, and podcast, Gawdat offers practical tools and strategies for finding joy in the face of adversity.Mo's commitment to spreading happiness has touched millions of lives. He continues to inspire people from all walks of life to embrace happiness as a fundamental choice, as well as empower them to engineer their own paths to fulfillment.
Tony and Sage Robbins are excited to share this special presentation from a 2022 private event with their Platinum Partners in Mexico. Let Mo Gawdat’s poignant insights help you create your own happiness journey today!
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SHOW NOTES:
00:00:00 Introduction
00:00:15 Sage Robbins Intro
00:00:55 The luckiest man you’ll ever meet
00:03:00 An ultimatum leads to a new path
00:04:05 How the birth of Ali gave Mo purpose
00:05:31 "The more life gave me, the more unhappy I became”
00:08:22 An engineering approach to creating happiness
00:10:45 Mo details the tragic passing of his son
00:11:45 Be everywhere and part of everyone
00:14:03 Create happiness by making others happy
00:15:09 The wisdom of Supertramp
00:21:10 Happiness is the absence of unhappiness
00:22:30 Mo’s algorithm
00:23:45 Happiness is not a result of the events of your life
00:27:45 "Happiness is a choice”
00:28:43 The Happiness Equation
00:32:45 The problem with dopamine
00:35:45 Unhappiness is a survival mechanism
00:39:18 Matthieu Ricard: The world’s happiest man?
00:46:00 Accept the things you cannot change
00:49:05 MIT Study
00:51:00 Accept that pain never goes away
00:53:56 Question #1 from audience: “How long did it take you to train your brain?
01:00:19 Question #2 from audience: How can I use meditation to get to the happiness state?
01:04:48 Question #3 from audience: How can I help someone else be happy?
01:07:56 Question #4 from audience: How do you find happiness when constantly focusing on what could go wrong?
01:14:47 Question #5 from audience: How best do we utilize your teachings with our children?
01:21:00 Sign off
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Website: www.tonyrobbins.com/
Tony Robbins is a #1 New York Times best-selling author, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. For more than four and a half decades, millions of people have enjoyed the warmth, humor and dynamic presentation of Mr. Robbins' corporate and personal development events. As the nation's #1 life and business strategist, he's called upon to consult and coach some of the world's finest athletes, entertainers, Fortune 500 CEOs, and even presidents of nations.
Learn more at www.tonyrobbins.com/

[@maxamed7258]

“No decision will ever destroy your life, the only thing that will destroy your life is indecision” absolutely amazing

[@shubhamkhurana403]

Decision to kill my self, do drugs might

[@BeOutstanding]

Disagree. Indecision will not destroy your life. Your mind will destroy your life if you let it.

[@ioana4963]

I watched this 3 times. One day I will understand

[@dizzyx05]

Be patient with yourself we all are imperfect keep growing

[@jq3281]

That one day is today - the future is always tomorrow. You can do it!

[@GreenOilBike]

Fav Quote: "Happiness is the Default... we need a reason for unhappiness"

[@ABDULLAHwivDaGLOVES]

🔥🔥🔥

[@TheZac555]

I also lost a son. It hit me when you said , its the most painful thing a human can go through. I know I lost my partner and son 2 days before Christmas of 2002 in a car crash. It's weird Mo I also worked at Microsoft as a PFE from 2008 to 2018 - everything changed for me too in a good way. I should'nt have been successful and had no educational excellence - your life story resonates with mine so much !! Thank you for what you have done - your a lovely human being!!!!

[@danerose575]

Congratulations Zac on changing everything in a good way. I love hearing that.

[@TheZac555]

@@danerose575of course all of Mr Robbins training helped me deal with it, id love to do a testimonial someday for him

[@suzyerichsen6184]

I'm so sorry for your double loss and 2 days before Christmas. It must have been so painful then and still now. I lost my son a few months ago, Dec 7, quit quickly from complications due to pneumonia. It was a big blurrr... I cannot imagine a loss like yours, may God be with you. A virtual hug to you.❤️

[@calliecline7774]

I’m sorry for your losses and inspired by your attitude! ❤️

[@neetaarjun5019]

Send your loved ones on their journey with blessings, peace and love and automatically blessings, peace and love will resonate in your life also❤

[@j.t.1215]

❤How absolutely lovely was this introduction by Sage. God bless Sage and Tony, two of my favorite people ❤

[@RenataSantos-oe2sq]

At the end: "Any hugs, I´m available" so cute, vulnerable and open. Thank you. Congrats! lov u!

[@Lavonne9870]

A lot of us out here don't get enough (any) physical touch.

[@GreenOilBike]

"He didn't die, he lived. And we have thousands of life experiences". Another great quote. SN

[@Kaye321]

I study quantum physics. Your voice inside you is not you. It's your ego. You are your higher self who has unlimited power. My ego has a name, so I don't associate it as me.

[@vickibazter3446]

I AM. PERIOD!

[@jrsmithson7260]

During an out of body experience this “ego” you refer to can think and speak to other intelligent beings the same way as in normal life. You need to practice astral projection to truly understand what you are talking about. The ego is as much a part of your soul as your subconscious.

[@user-ij6xb3pi1c]

Hebrews13.9 !

[@skatetg]

I need to change my seemingly non stop negative thinking. I keep manifesting negativity and blame others and know it’s me. I’ve been struggling with this for 4 years now.

[@user-ij6xb3pi1c]

@@skatetg Mathew 7.3.5

[@neetaarjun5019]

Sister Shivani also says that happiness is innate in our soul and outside stimulus can give us comfort but not happiness.

[@Lavendermama]

I wanna keep listening his talk. It's soothing.

[@vickibazter3446]

One of the BEST talks I have ever heard. Brilliant and life changing. Takes practice. Meditation is a powerful practice on our quest. We do have the power to choose.

[@nimstennis]

The key 🔑 to happiness is progress and not comparing to others ? ❤

[@monialoha777]

This speech should be a MUST at school!🏫

[@suzyerichsen6184]

Yes, he covered an enormous amount of information that is so valuable for all ages.

[@monialoha777]

Yes. Hope it will reach a lot of people soon 😊

[@impactmakerstribe]

Super helpful

[@Nancy_Mourad]

Wonderful talk. And first time I grasp to a 360 level and come to finally agree that happiness, truly, IS a choice

[@michellerobert_mindfulme]

Thank you so much Tony for changing our lives for decades and tq Mo for your engaging nature! 😘 😘

[@user-ti2bc2zz1q]

Thank you so much for your speech, it blew my mind away, I listened many times, everytime I find something useful and meaningful in it, thank you Mr Mo🙏🙏♥️our love to your lovely son Ali’s soul, I also thank you him that he gave this power to you so you can spread the path to happiness.

[@travelingartistnilofarmehrin]

"We are always pissed off " ...... because we want more & we want to expand all the time .... we should learn to embrace " not being happy all the time" .... but say " thank you God"!

[@I.C.Robledo]

Thank you for this. I appreciate learning about happiness or any life lessons from someone who is winning at life, and who has had to deal with tremendous loss and hardships. Having fun (dopamine hits) to escape the unhappiness is something we see quite often in the world. I'm glad you mentioned this and help steer us on the right path. Also, the Netflix analogy of "Unhappiness on demand" with replaying bad memories is so true (and funny).

[@hiencao9604]

Thank you so so much, Mr. Mo Gawdat!!! Happiness is a choice!!! Lots of Love, ❤

[@ssafadeh]

One of the most beautiful speeches I've ever heard in my life

[@Llyubomir8]

Well, wisdom is an incredible tool, aren’t we supposed to speak about human feelings, or analysis is haven’t stopped gradually changing our frequency of thoughts! Very wisely man.

[@nickgiannetto]

So out of the 9 billion people in the world, whatever that number is me and this man went through the same situation what I’m trying to say is we could all feel the same emotions our brains are wired the same I could relate really well to this man because I’ve been through the same situation

[@lorinelson6857]

What this world needs! Thank you!

[@jolaschutz4151]

Thank you so much , Mr Mo Gawdat ! Yes , happiness is a choice!

[@kimberlysauber5601]

57:18 - A New Earth is only 9 hours 12 mins long, fyi. So if someone thought that was too long, good news, it’s not so you can listen!! He’s right, that book helped me in so many ways as well. I LOVED this talk. Thank you for being vulnerable, honest, and HAPPY for your son. Ali is now a part of me as well. I appreciate you sharing, it feels great to have met him through you.

[@alinahaiduc22]

These times are a call on us all to rise our hearts and make this a happier world for our children, ourselves and all sentient beings😊Grateful for you Tony, Mo, Sage, for empowering us to join you on this mission❤️

[@travelingartistnilofarmehrin]

Thank you .... i actually did what my father told me to do (read).... rather than do what he did (he practiced yoga) .... i am 65 but i have been bullied by Becky (the voice in my head) for very many years ..... now that you talk about it , i realize what was happening ..... now i try to be happy & embrace whatever life gives me because i found Ester Hicks ...... & she says we have already been blessed but we dont know it .....

[@FionaIngrid]

It feels really important to understand that we can be motivated by 'not enough' thoughts (and so stand on a cornerstone of fear and lack) or we can be motivated by positive thoughts (and so stand on a cornerstone of love).

[@You-uj8jl]

Just loved the entire video, it is so practical and an eye opener. I have several takeaways of happiness now and it has boosted my confidence and increased my happiness quotient. Thank You for spreading this across the globe, The world needs this so much❤Thank You, Thank You, Thank You from the bottom of my heart 🙏

[@entrepreneurssalesacademy]

Impressive insight! Gawdat's message is crucial for families. Encourage open communication, share your experiences, and demonstrate the behaviors you wish your children to adopt. Highlighting positive growth and ensuring they feel understood without judgment is key. Also, creating an environment where they can freely express their feelings without fear is vital. Remember, they learn more from what you do than what you say.

[@ileanavargas-ng3tp]

Today your son is hear in my heart. Making my life better. Changing thoughts that made me sad. Victory ❤

[@charlieg9724]

Beautiful & raw. Mo, I look forward to more!

[@Daniela.Design]

Thank you for so much valuable information. I will have to listen to this a couple of times, because my brain can’t process all the information at once ☺️

[@sage8889]

This was Absolutely Superb on so many levels! My 33 year old Son transitioned to GOD in 2019, and this sharing was On Point! Thank you.

[@vaidaskemeklis]

Thank you for sharing this. Considering myself lucky to survive through the hardships in life and make it through the winter is why I believe so as well.

[@lauralee2443]

My heart ❤️ aches for your son’s passing. Loving your story! Your experience.

[@stevenreid_youtube]

It's fascinating how our brains work and how we can train them for happiness. Can't wait to implement all these strategies. Thanks for such an engaging and thought-provoking discussion!

[@impactmakerstribe]

It's not always easy but you can choose to look for the positive and create your own happiness.

[@thevibrationroom7584]

Wow, this was so good! The explanation about us not being our thoughts, was perfection.

[@ameliahobbs1873]

Unthered Soul is a great book for that.

[@Brainsandbeauty]

You need to have: 1. Enough money to pay your bills. You are presumably not living in a field and eating grass. 2. Your physical and mental health. Then the happiness discussion begins.

[@phyllissong]

"Your Happiness is not a result of the events of your life... Your happiness is a result of a comparison between what the event is and what you want the event to be." This insight shifts perspective beautifully, emphasizing the power of our expectations in shaping our happiness. Let's aim to align our reality with our desires without letting the gap dictate our contentment.

[@mcervantes9640]

❤

[@tarriadunnstorytellingonlinema]

Tony and Sage,I would like to thank both of you .This has touched my heart .Thank you Mo for your awesome story.It has really changed my way of thinking about happiness.Love this,yes be happy 😊❤!

[@doggonepositive]

Thank you so much! I always learn something new every day when I listen to one of your podcast, and this one was really insightful for myself. I am definitely going to listen to it again at least one more time lol.❤

[@TonyRobbinsLive]

Glad it was helpful!

[@chike1993]

Thank you Mo!!❤

[@tamaramarie1]

Just thank you!

[@antoinettedomeyer2674]

Best talk I've listened to, touched deeply. sharing this with my son and daughter immensely. Thank you Mo.

[@Sweetroses369]

What an amazing message. Thank you for your story ❤️

[@OgdeeRealtyGroup]

Mo your talk is amazing! thank you for sharing your journey and practical advice to get to the 7 seconds!

[@julieathanassiadis7754]

Dear Mo Thankyou for your talk I learned a lot and now I can pass it on to my boys. 🙏

[@Mystic-CAT]

Thanks for posting this.

[@jennifersundermier]

Thank you so much for sharing this amazing lesson. I appreciate the many parallels between this and Michael Singer's teachings.

[@LindaHaddle]

This is so beautiful. Thank you ! Many blessings to you!

[@davidtanasi243]

Thank You for sharing this ❤

[@tslilbearshoppe9870]

I like this guy. He's got it.

[@zachz1667]

Love this- very powerful talk!

[@deeprincess3159]

❤Thanks for sharing

[@mabbescobar2726]

amazing/amazeballs speech!

[@Lotus1111]

Thank you ✨

[@punnaroothsrimongkolsilp1543]

Super true, from your fan in Thailand.

[@yulianam3635]

Thank you I really needed to heard this today ❤

[@TonyRobbinsLive]

You are so welcome

[@dkdawe1]

So true… so valuable a listen… happiness is while we work towards happiness but we lose focus as soon as we get to where we wanted to be… then what!?!?!?!

[@honmoha2020]

There is no need to be sad or disappointed in life, and you have more choices about whether you are happy or not.❤❤

[@Robertbacklun]

Thank you for sharing! A real eye opener

[@TonyRobbinsLive]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@impactmakerstribe]

How you think about things affects how you feel.

[@Ayman.Mahmoud]

I'm still watching, but I just wanted to say it's good to see Mo as vulnerable as he is starting off this talk, I know he couldn't help it at Tony’s Platinum Membership :)

[@spaofthesoulwithsolaya8192]

THANK YOU , AWESOME. incredible talk , inspired and uplifting.

[@ghufranwasiq1459]

❤ this!

[@denisedey1887]

Thank you for this video it's very educational and interesting.

[@helenrachel1520]

This gentleman has to be the most amazing speaker I have ever heard thank you so very much I would love to listen to more .do you do a podcast if so can you put the link so I can listen 😊

[@user-br4te4qg5t]

I am grateful everyday ❤

[@alvarobarroeta7034]

Thank you for sharing 👍

[@dakotacooperr]

Really great talk, this helped me have a positive morning. Thanks for sharing

[@chilatelover]

Wow. Just wow

[@nandkapoor5568]

Thats isness of events in lifejourney. The feeling is bidy generated its the way organism thrives! Handle it if you can and surrender if you cant .

[@dkm6054]

Hahaha Becky with the bad hair XD Really great technique and love the logical approach.

[@katiesierra9089]

It's the attachment to outcome

[@nelidacarrasco5281]

Thanks 🙏

[@shirleyjgarland3576]

Thanks.

[@ceofounder]

Thought provoking, informative, and educating video!

[@isetfrances6124]

Nice noice to see bro Mo again. Thxz . Sending a sculpture to you two🌆

[@user-nb8fs8cz9h]

Great speech ❤

[@Miss_daisy_and_co]

This is fabulous 🖤🐞🙏

[@wifkt]

Love it.

[@mohammedsaif5813]

Love you @Mogawdat 21:02

[@janeteades6459]

We need him to teach parenting classes.

[@Abadman387]

Happiness is not a choice. Joy is. To the deliar lama

[@betsydobrick7335]

So meaningful, loved it!

[@Pebble-X]

Mo's analogies 👌 practical mindset tools. Appreciate the authenic, compassionate sgaring delivered in such a manner as to be understood. (T.R + S.R = 🌠✅

[@thevoiceofhope]

We are always trying to get to some place other than where we are today. Perspective from difficulty is an incredible gift, and an open door to having moments of happiness…. Do you want more, or better. How much is enough? God bless.

[@miengiofood]

Thanks ❤❤❤❤

[@LuckyBamboo2]

Wow... Happiness is a choice!

[@Amandahugginkizz]

Happyness is our default, unhappyness is a choice

[@jawadjahid7526]

Well put that comparison ruins the joy we can find in little things in the nature, people and events.

[@Lavonne9870]

I've just listened to this for the first time, and there were SO many things I'd never heard of, SO many things I'd like to enact in my life, I'm overwhelmed. Each working point could take a week, a month, a year before it's engrained and second nature. Now to listen again with a notebook until I have a list, then prioritize. As a high functioning autistic, it slows my brain down to use words. I have a large vocabulary, but the filing system is clunky. Do you use words in meditation? Is 'guided meditation' having a list of thinking points you want to cover that day? I've tried listening to meditation videos, but if I do begin to go deeper, the narrator pulls me back, I get frustrated and turn it off. How do I guide myself?

[@MM-jv8di]

Thank you

[@bagobonecollective799]

Very interesting and useful! Thank you! xxx

[@malachiobrien]

So good

[@summerlove6787]

God bless 💚 💚💚💚

[@bobbib3836]

I absolutely thoroughly enjoyed this. I’ll listen to it again & again to bring comfort to me while our world is falling apart. Thank you ♥️🙏🏼

[@travelingartistnilofarmehrin]

"The brain is trying to avoid the negative ....." ; find the motivation in the positive solution ..... ie start an easy idea ( i will look around for solution ) & then modify the solution & make it better ( reach 100%) .........

[@tarriadunnstorytellingonlinema]

Welcome Mo