The Science of Happiness Part 5: The Key to Success in Building Relationships by Listening

Does being self-absorbed make you happier?"People are happiest when they make investments in things that are beyond themselves."In the last four episodes of The Science of Happiness series (Volume 1), we focused on the science of happiness as it relates to creating purpose and deeper meaning in life. Volume 2 focuses on our fourth quarter theme of Community and Cultural Adaptation. The Harvard Study of Adult Development, which launched in 1938, is the longest scientific study of happiness ever conducted. It found that people are happiest when they make investments in things that are beyond themselves. Dr. Waldinger, who now runs the study,  recommends helping kids learn about the satisfaction of being interested in others and building great relationships. The key to success in building relationships is to listen. People who are self-absorbed tend to steer a conversation back to themselves even when it's not about them. Being a good listener means listening with all four senses and asking questions. So, if you want to be happy, make sure to invest in things that are beyond yourself.In this episode, you will learn the following:1. The Harvard Study of Adult Development, which launched in 1938, is the longest scientific study of happiness ever conducted.2. Miriam Webster's definition of self absorbed means absorbed in one's own thoughts, activities or interests. Self absorbed people like to get attention and be heard by others, but seldom reciprocate.3. The key to success in building relationships is to understand and practice the 70/30 Rule.To order Dr. Waldinger's book with the latest results of the study go here.For more about the Harvard Happiness Study go here.Did you get your Free Copy of Dawn's book yet?Connect with me:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/midlifeinparadise/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dawndfleming/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawnfleming/Website: https://www.lifeinparadisepodcast.comSupport the show