The happy secret to better work | Shawn Achor

www.ted.com We believe that we should work to be happy, but could that be backwards? In this fast-moving and entertaining talk from TEDxBloomington, psychologist Shawn Achor argues that actually happiness inspires productivity.
TEDTalks is a daily video podcast of the best talks and performances from the TED Conference, where the world's leading thinkers and doers give the talk of their lives in 18 minutes. Featured speakers have included Al Gore on climate change, Philippe Starck on design, Jill Bolte Taylor on observing her own stroke, Nicholas Negroponte on One Laptop per Child, Jane Goodall on chimpanzees, Bill Gates on malaria and mosquitoes, Pattie Maes on the "Sixth Sense" wearable tech, and "Lost" producer JJ Abrams on the allure of mystery. TED stands for Technology, Entertainment, Design, and TEDTalks cover these topics as well as science, business, development and the arts. Closed captions and translated subtitles in a variety of languages are now available on TED.com, at www.ted.com/translate
If you have questions or comments about this or other TED videos, please go to support.ted.com

[@colbycheeze]

The clever thing about this is that he talked for 12 minutes, and about 1 minute was the information he wanted to convey, and the other 11 minutes was him entertaining and getting people to listen to him. He kept the important information short and to the point while filling the time with fun energy. That's a good speaker :)

[@AtitManandhar]

Well said friend. 👌

[@satakshigupta7946]

"Bobo married Amy the unicorn" 😂😂😂😂

[@restless42]

To do today: - Write down 3 gratitudes - Journal a positive thing that happened today - Exercise - Meditate - Do something kind

[@thanhlam8763]

restless42 thanks

[@alexandriagachuhi7718]

I was hoping someone would note these down - thank you very much :-)

[@ya_boi_second]

So did you?

[@restless42]

@@ya_boi_second I did 😄

[@ya_boi_second]

@@restless42 Mah man!

[@DeoMachina]

I like how he puts everyone in a good mood by making them laugh, I think this makes it easier for him to get his message across.

[@rawgrave_]

Hello person from 8 years ago

[@sheeleswife]

rawgrave hello person from 2 weeks ago

[@Rhitewhino]

@@sheeleswife hello person from 5 days ago

[@jfisher446]

That's kinda what he does, though!

[@DeoMachina]

WHERE'D ALL YOU PEOPLE COME FROM

[@reversenetworking]

5:20 Don't just move "up" to the average..... but move the entire average UP!

[@yomsha]

Perfect

[@LightningShiva1]

Legendary lines

[@Jamie-my7lb]

“Your ability to see stress as a challenge instead of as a threat.” The word choice rings true. 7:39

[@marshwetland3808]

Actually 8:22 , but anyway it's another way of saying 'Feel the fear and do it anyway.'

[@marcellocapone4925]

Boy does he talk fast! Great speech mind.

[@vivianchebet3808]

Marcello Capone How does he do that? O.o

[@avoidable-alliteration]

Well, I think most of psychologists that I have heard talk fast

[@kelvindeandrade4688]

I think experience and training helps that.

[@irishkk99]

There is a limited amount of time the presenters have for TedTalks

[@mykaelos8656]

Set the video speed to 1.5 to really speed him up :) It's nice to blast through some of these longer videos.

[@laxmanselvam]

Every time I watch a great TED talk, I feel I have seen the best, only to be bettered by the next talk. This man is brilliant, the way he captured my attention right from the first second, incredible talk!

[@MeganIsSoSmiley]

I am so thankful for Mr. Achor's speech. I've tried speaking about this with many people, but I never had confidence in what I was saying. This reinforces what I've believed: constantly trying to reach success, to work to reach happiness later, is really not an effective way to live. Being happy now, taking care of yourself, is how you can accomplish goals and live in a fulfilling way. Being happy and finding meaning in each day is the ultimate success, and makes working, school, and accomplishments that much more rewarding. Why wait to find success when it's just a matter of how we view it? It could be right in front of us.

[@paramjotsingh6368]

Have the confidence to speak up !! you are absolutely correct.. people might not be able to understand you or implement what u are saying.. but that definitely does not make u wrong ! May u have loads of success on your journey

[@MeganIsSoSmiley]

Thank you! Will do!

[@Piitstar1]

+MeganIsSoSmiley Youre post made me so happy megan :) i rly have to thank you for that you are absolutly right ! by the way i snipping tooled out the words ultimate success out of your coment ... its my new desktop background now :D

[@blaschke]

+meganissosmiley you are, in my point of view, completly right. its up to us, to define succes and not by others. i've visited an institution, which gives people with drugaddiction the opportunity to get free coffee, a bed, a job and also a room, where you can consume drugs the safeuser way. the institution leader was an absolute inspiring person. he said: to me it is succes, that people manage to use their energy to come her and take care of themselfes. i know to us this is a little, but to them it means a lot. he told us a story about a man, whos aim it was to get a job an manage to buy from his own money a holiday week in the bavarian forest. and he made it. the reason i'm writting this is, cause you inspired me. you made me smile with your comment. i wish you, that you find the success in your point of view. take care.

[@riggz5496]

Reminds me of the power of Now. Most people view it as conforming or settling for less but I think that is the wrong perspective. We can all be happy with what we have right now for sure and in tern live a happier more fulfilling life

[@sluceysuhaili]

I journaled right after I watched this video! Hope this helps! Shawn Achor listed out the ways that in which you can achieve a more positive lifestyle (and in 21 days in a row - where a task becomes a habit and it REWIRES your brain). Allowing our brain to work more optimistically and successfully. 1. Gratitude: Write 3 new things each day for the things you are grateful for. Brain starts to retain a pattern to scan for the positive first instead of the negative. 2. Journalling: Journalling about 1 positive experience that you’ve had in the past 24 hours allows your brain to relive it. 3. Exercise: Teaches your brain that your behaviour matters. 4. Meditation: Allows you brain to get over the cultural ADHD that we’ve been creating to do multiple tasks at once. Allows our brain to focus at the current task in hand. 5. Random acts of kindness: Conscious acts of kindness. Open up your inbox and write 1 positive email to a person in your social network/ circle.

[@freespirit8745]

slucey suhaili u are awesome, thanks :)

[@aon2423]

Thank you,I follow what he says cleary,my english skill is bad .thak you for concluding

[@bidusikhadka1831]

This is very useful. Thank you. 😊

[@evenunez2095]

sez suhaili you're the best omg

[@evenunez2095]

sez suhaili bless your heart

[@ericsurf6]

One of the best TED presentations ever...Thanks Mr. Achor!

[@josephornelas942]

I'm surprised at how many people don't understand this man's message. He never once said to look the other way, put on some rose colored glasses and be on your merry way. He even went so far as to lay out actual steps for every person to take for 21 days. If you watch his Google talk (it's on KZbin as well) he actually explains how not facing reality and being overly optimistic is a disorder. The point he's making is that both pessimists and optimists can be realists. A realist sees the reality around him, but how he internalizes and process that information is what makes him a pessimist or optimist. The pessimist will not perform as well as the optimist because a positive mind performs better than one that is negative, neutral, or stressed. Again, I'm not sure how people don't understand this since he never said anything contradicting that. I guess I'll just remain a positive outlier.

[@abigailbruce333]

Well said

[@amitkapur3206]

Absolute brilliance. I watch this every week just to remain focused. Thank you sir.

[@gmansi]

maybe is an investment and not a waste

[@smg4834]

You can never watch this too many times. Great Message and Excellent Delivery!

[@shellismith5483]

One of my all time favorite Ted Talks. I have read two of his books and think he is incredible. I appreciate the POV he presents, it is a good reminder!

[@xanthousKnight]

Watched it so many times just because it's hilarious while being extremely useful.

[@hayleyhewitt9059]

Best Ted Talk i've seen in a while

[@markanthonygarrett6264]

You are so right! Thank you for sharing this wonderful information. You did a great job!

[@GabriellePullen]

Thank you, thank you, thank you! For the material AND for so generously role modeling the sense of humor that can make it kick in even deeper!

[@PossumPityParty]

Buddhism in modern context. As long as it's in a form people can digest, doesn't matter how/ who the message is provided.

[@VandroiyIII]

+Golighty678 Even looking at the tiny Buddha aside my screen right now, this new presentation is better for me. I knew there was some wisdom in this topic, but the message just wasn't clear to me, hidden within undifferentiated cultural extras that have accrued around it. I'm not a religious person, so I only received the Buddhist version of the idea in a very foggy way - which dampened its effect. So, I think Mr. Achor's way of explaining both the problem and the chance to improve is very good and matters, as it's a form that many people can digest and, as you said, that is necessary.

[@KelliSwan]

I LOVED this Ted Talk! Any time I've operating from a place of happiness, instead of making "happy" a goal, my creativity and list of new ideas go off the charts. Thanks Shawn for reminding me that I can work towards living this way daily!

[@joeyd2498]

11:00 and onward...I'm going to start that tomorrow morning. I love this, this is awesome. I'm excited. Thank you.

[@shahbazalikhawaja1587]

You talked about thanking someone from your social support group, you might not be in my "social support group" but your talk has supported me do much I am glad I stumbled across it today when I needed it so badly thank you so much I will certainly try and implement the techniques you mentioned in my life with utmost dedication and commitment

[@kristeng.9788]

Every time I watch a TED Talk, I always think "Wow, this is the best one I've seen!" And this Talk is definitely a Life Changer, it's amazing! I'm very grateful I stumbled upon this video:)

[@ramprasadlamichhane8713]

Kristen G. same here

[@011azr]

Unless the TED talk is about politics, religions, and ideology. You will see one huge dislike bar at those kinds of video.

[@useyourjob6141]

Kristen G. Me too; I've watched this like 3 times now! I love it 😊

[@threellyai6893]

Wow! Have you sliced with Threelly SmartView - Get the Chrome extension: chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/threelly-smartview-for-yo/dfohlnjmjiipcppekkbhbabjbnikkibo

[@bonnaroo4]

Had to slow it down to .75 playback to take notes

[@AngelicaAgelviz]

I absolutely adored this TED TV segment. So inspiration, Shawn has a way to hook people almost effortlessly, not with witty lies or gimmicks, but with his pure charisma and truth. Loved this, definitely gonna look up more of his vids.

[@bitbananas9372]

One of the best and funniest TEDTalk’s I’ve ever watched. Awesome job!!

[@evaweber4204]

My favorite TED speaker. Everytime I feel down, Shawn's talk makes me laugh, and think.

[@eunicec.1034]

What a happy and wise guy! Really enjoy his talk and energy!

[@HenriJunttila]

Excellent talk about success and happiness, and how success doesn't lead to happiness, happiness leads to success (at least more of it). Some great, practical tips at the end.

[@NeverStoppedSinging]

I think this just might be my favorite TED talk. Amazing!

[@Aemilius_Roswell]

Watching this for an assignment for class, absolutely love his sense of humor!

[@braydenning4026]

I have been journaling ever since I watched this video almost 4 months ago, where I write about something positive that happened that day as well as something I'm thankful for, I'm now 110 days in and it's changed my life and how I look at things!

[@elissayunita922]

Wow. Justttt... WOW. This is totally totally true. He just explained Happiness in a simple logic

[@MedSalesTraining]

I love the science behind this. Our ability to look at things through different lenses and re-frame how we see the world is a common method, but having some science to back it up is refreshing. I am going to buy his book!

[@borjaochaita5170]

I am 100% confident to state that this is the best TED talk I've ever heard!

[@NoName-rx9lo]

This is by far the best speaker that I have EVER seen! Wow!! 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@tubularG]

Excellent work, Great to hear discussion over happiness being less based in the circumstantial and more in our ability to notice and appreciate the elements of our existence that we are already happy about.

[@shivanisawhney_iam]

Shawn, that's awesome!!! Really INSPIRING! I not only want to do this for myself but also do this for others around me, take this message further!

[@kellylien8693]

I write three grateful things every day, I find it really change my life. I am more satisfied and positive to do anything.The speech is very worthy of listening!!!!

[@10star80]

Grateful for this talk. So positive...so encouraging!

[@Rethael]

He also explained in the other eleven minutes how we already see examples of how happiness creates success. He managed to explain how he came to his conclusions and his motivations to help convince the audience that his one minute of information is worth knowing and paying attention to. A lot of the Ted talks work this same way, and I love watching them.

[@mariachow4353]

ripples of positivity! i like it.

[@cantanto999]

This is probably the most important TED Talk ever! Thank you!

[@joyfullivingwithkath]

this should have millions of views, so many people could benefit from seeing this and implementing daily gratitude.

[@AnirudhJas]

Amazing speech sir! I'm part of the TEDx committee in IIM Trichy, India. Wish we could have you speak. You're just brilliant!!!

[@SHAYTARDS]

A REVOLUTION!!! (gave me chills)

[@avinashkharche152]

this is one of the best TED talk I've ever watched!!

[@dblorich1]

This is truth, thank you for your insights. Happiness is a choice. I have found for myself the cornerstone to happiness is gratitude. Learn to count your blessings. Every day I am thankful for my life, even if I have challenges.

[@gigi19900619]

After 10 years I still love this video and this guy. Congrats for this TED presentation. :)

[@savastanrs926]

Excatly !

[@alexiscardenas2774]

I love this video it truly inspired me and change my view on things

[@3DPDoctor]

You made my day today after 10 years of this video. Thank you for making this! I am happy and greatfull

[@chil3355]

fantastic way to snatching happiness from the bad times we faced.

[@gekaprog]

Fast speech hurts understanding. But he is amazing. Success and happiness aren't one

[@Animashaun]

gekaprog Or you can watch repeatedly and maybe increase your comprehension speed. Good luck.

[@yunegwangnam9847]

I watched it at 1.25 and I'm not even a native speaker. I see lots of people tell that here but was he like THAT fast?

[@alissaraehill6194]

Thank you.

[@BrendaRogersCoaching]

Just received the Happiness Advantage, great read. Shawn Achor, Thank you!!! You are awesome, brilliant, energizing.

[@MauraGale]

This was exceptionally powerful!! Wow wow wow! This has to be one of the best Ted Talks I’ve seen and I’ve seen plenty. Thank you sir.

[@WhateverNWhatNot]

Tried this and realized after 28 days (forgot about 21 since I was doing so well) and it works! I suffer from Bipolar2 so these things are a challenge but it worked. I noticed I saved more money bcuz I was happy and when I spent money it was on experiences and ppl. Also, so many areas in my lifr also approved.

[@ashleysapp1333]

idk what yall were talking about fast speech, because I listened to this at 2X speed and was fine xD. Inspirational message!

[@tikkii999]

Just watching him makes me feel more positive... Great speaker, great idea.

[@alexcurbelo3544]

Thanks Shawn for your wonderful talk. I've seen your video a few years ago, but it doesn't get old; it's still funny and engaging, and you provided the world the ingredients and recipe for a wonderful happiness souffle (apologies for the food reference as I'm a bit hungry at the moment). Thanks again.

[@DanielVoglerTime]

"We'll always reflect the nature of the world, we're most aware of" - Bill Johnson

[@rnzore]

Set tempo as 0.5 and enjoy Best-Drunk-Advices ever :D

[@gmmcgy]

+Rulskełę thats really funny and true coupled with the facial expression...

[@aryamaanparikh8973]

OMFG HAHAHAHHAHAHAHHAHAH HE'S GREAT BUT THIS. THIS

[@pixelpusher3589]

just watched at 0.5................absolute gold! brilliant! hilarious!

[@miketordeur1008]

Great! xD

[@lynndugger2128]

HILARIOUS!

[@hannahblythhammond]

Best lecturer I have seen. Not only informative but so FUNNY that I remember the information.

[@tom.cresswell]

That talk was astounding. The results are near enough instant after seeing how luck-filled i am. I want to say thank you for putting this out for us to discover.

[@marinamarquez1018]

"Amy, I think this means you're a unicorn" :'D

[@derknut9187]

One of my sons won the National Merit Scholarship Award and when he was younger telling him a rabbit, his favorite animal at the time, would eat peas would be what would get him to eat peas too. Appealing to the imagination and emotional level, and not just the intellectual level, is powerful.

[@josefernandolondono7189]

3:03: Sicología Positiva 3:15: Gráfica: Escapando del culto del promedio 3:45: Hay un "extraño" en el auditorio... pero no es problema 4:05: En los cursos de economía etc. buscan eliminar los "extraños" 4:20: Si lo que estamos mirando es el potencial, la felicidad etc. lo que estamos es creando el culto del promedio. 4:53: Normal es promedio 5:25: Cómo subir todo el promedio.... 6:20: La realidad no es la que nos forma si no que el lente con que vemos el mundo transforma nuestra realidad. 6:26: si cambiamos el lente también cambiamos los resultados educativos y empresariales 6:30: Estudio de caso: Estudiando los "diferentes" 7:25: Después de dos semanas en Harvard los estudiantes dejan de enfocarse en el privilegio de estar allá y piensan más en los problemas. 7:50: Se asume que factores externos son los que predicen la felicidad. 8:00: El 90% de la felicidad proviene no del exterior, si no de la forma en que el cerebro procesa el exterior. 8:15: Cerebros positivos y éxito 8:20: 75% de las probabilidades para predecir el éxito están asociadas a los niveles de positivismo y gestión, su soporte social, y la habilidad de ver el stress como un reto y no como una amenaza 9:28: Si trabajo más duro será más exitoso, y si tengo más éxito será más feliz. 9:53: Si la felicidad está en el lado opuesto del éxito su cerebro nunca llegará allá 9:58: Como sociedad hemos empujado la felicidad más allá del horizonte cognitivo 10:05: Pensamos que si tenemos éxito entonces seremos felices. 10:06: El cerebro trabaja en sentido opuesto 10:10: Primero se eleva el nivel de positivismo en el presente, entonces el cerebro experimenta una "ventaja de felicidad", ya que cuando el cerebro piensa positivimante se desempeña muchísimo mejor que cuando está negativo, neutro o estresado. 10:20: Aumenta la inteligencia, la creatividad, los niveles de energía 10:25: Imagen: La ventaja de la felicidad 10:50: Tenemos que aprender a reversar la fórmula: Si trabajo más duro seré más exitoso a si pienso positivamente en el presente tengo la "ventaja de la felicidad". 10:55: Sobre la dopamina 11:07: Formas de entrenar el cerebro para crear cambio positivo perdurable CLAVE: Hay que cambiar el "Debo tener éxito(s) para ser feliz." a "Debo pensar positivamente (sentir felicidad) en el presente, para muy probablemente tener éxito(s)

[@kaylalake7422]

I love Ted Talks so much, they are always great ad providing an explanation in an effective manner. LOVE IT!!

[@esh8400]

This is the best TED Talk I have ever seen!

[@greysky1786]

Voltaire said : "I decided to be happy because it's healthy.". He was right, thank you for this speech !

[@TheParadoxG]

So what I've taken away from this, is that if I eat more chocolate (which makes me happy) I will feel more positive and be more successful in my life. Thank you TED Talks for validating my love of chocolate.

[@youngaharvey]

This might be my favorite Ted talks so far. Great information.

[@ASMRyvette]

I saw this right after it was first uploaded and it CHANGED MY LIFE. Thank you Shawn!! 💛

[@rkartikeya]

And so I shall start on this prescription from today! Meditation, Exercise, Journaling, 3 Gratitudes and Acts of Kindness. Wish me luck!

[@simon42o]

Goodluck don't give up!

[@reversenetworking]

"Raise your positivity in the present and your brain experiences a happiness advantage" - Shawn Achor

[@jhonathan_pfeiffer_urbainski]

This video was wonderful. I watched it with a smile on my face and loved his point of view.

[@MsKim0605]

Excellent information, wonderful sense of humour. Thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of this event. Definitely will follow Shawn! Thank you for sharing! Kim

[@tonysimmons8912]

Brilliant stuff....Recently I realized that multi-tasking has been hurting my productivity for a long time... Now, I have made it a "goal" to focus on "one thing only" until I am finished with that "thing", then move onto the next "thing".....Giving each "thing" as much of my focus and concentration as I can... The results have been gratifying....

[@ritareis2225]

Ter sucesso é fácil, é uma pena que muitos vejam isto como algo de poucos...poderia ser algo de muitos!!! Palestra incrível...parabéns.

[@yugalbhatt5570]

I just love ted talks, addicted to them.

[@othmane-mezian]

I personally wish success and happiness for you and anyone reading this! You WILL overcome your tribulations by remaining that GREAT person that you are! I KNOW it! Just keep going.

[@carefulcarpenter]

"Perception becomes reality" ~~cc "Genius creates; others imitate" ~~cc

[@swayleon5320]

Who else is going to try the writing down 3 grateful things a day thing?

[@JRichard112]

+Josue Avelar Just did. Thanked the guy who showed me this video, and thanked Ian Thomas for writing the Pendragon Rising choose your own adventure game I loved. However, the third thanking has yet to present itself...

[@nicolesong6199]

I did!

[@24lamistica]

I am!

[@kacibarriffe1231]

One of the best Ted talks I've heard so far

[@user-si7wm2lf7z]

Great speech! It was too fast but laughing slightly stopped him. I've found his research and suggestions really useful. Watching this TED will be in my today's grateful list for sure:)

[@nigelreed]

I wish he talked for longer!

[@lored3201]

Nigel Reed I could listen to him all day!

[@JuliusFawcett]

Fabulous, change the lens through which we perceive the world and allow the happiness to flow more easily. Specifically, letting go of thought patterns that get in the way of happiness, letting go of fear, anger, jealousy, blame, guilt, sorrow, irritation, resentment, frustration, criticism, bitterness and other negative thought patterns, and instead choosing thought patterns to do with peace, love, harmony, passion, purpose, strength, confidence, kindness, encouragement, compassion, thankfulness and other positive thought patterns. Our perception lens can give everything an enjoyable visage, it's looking at the fullness of water in half the glass, it's a self fulfilling prophecy in that what we focus on grows. I wish you all peace, love and harmony. I love you xxx :)

[@JuliusFawcett]

@Anna M. You weren't born thinking like that x

[@CleoPhoenixRT]

The funniest TED talk I’ve ever watched. This was fantastic.

[@wBIP]

The happy secret to better LIFE! Kudos and thank you shawn!!!

[@TerielAtmano]

My indoctrinated brain interpreted this message like this: "Great, now I just have to become happier and then I'll be able to become successful so I can finally become truly happy."

[@jasonofcompsci]

Sometimes that's good for his style of humor because he can blow right passed the funny and then they hit you half a second later.

[@hardworker424]

This is now my absolute favorite TED talk video.

[@stephaniechan8666]

I watched this multiple time purely for the stand up comedy ! Love it!

[@favourrege]

This guys talks like he's ordering pizza and his phone's at 1%

[@pankajjagarwal9925]

He is Eminem of psychology.

[@saurabht3540]

lol... Agreed ... yet he's funny

[@nunoromeulopes1505]

Hahaha, accurate. You only came up with that, because the video put you in a happy state

[@clairehua7545]

Yea, talks super fast.

[@hgflame]

Ya, I know! I had to double check if my playback speed was set at 2x

[@theBaron0530]

As a followup, I recommend reading "Happiness is a Serious Problem", by Dennis Prager.

[@kathyarnold9163]

Awesome. Thank you for a wonderful gift.

[@Thefrenchsearch]

One of the best Ted Talk ever, if not the best. Definitely deserves more than 32K like

[@workaholic888]

This guy knows how to kill a crowd (with laughter)....XDDDDDDD

[@hampelmuse]

nice talk! :) well then.. lets go back to being depressed and sitting at the computer all day.

[@rhishikeshdongre7553]

I thought I was the only one, thinking about this

[@visheshvaleja7546]

@@rhishikeshdongre7553 yes, because he thought 4 years earlier than your thought

[@jellie1961]

this is literally what im doing at my work desk right now :(

[@shawnshawnw1862]

Yet another fantastic TED talk. I agree he talked really fast, but it was worth it and just shows how much he cares about and listens to his own ideas!

[@opendreams8019]

i never wanted ted show not to end. before this amazing love every minute