Arthur Brooks teaches leadership and happiness at Harvard Business School… He is also a columnist at The Atlantic, where he writes the popular “How to Build a Life” column. Arthur is the author of 13 books, including the 2023 #1 New York Times bestseller Build the Life You Want: The Art and Science of Getting Happier with co-author Oprah Winfrey,  and the 2022 #1 New York Times bestseller From Strength to Strength: Finding Success, Happiness, and Deep Purpose in the Second Half of Life. 

Watch this conversation on YouTube. And SUBSCRIBE!

This episode is supported by Insight Global. Insight Global is a staffing company dedicated to empowering people. Please CLICK HERE for premier staffing and talent.

Order Our NEW USA TODAY Best-Selling BOOK, The Score That Matters. “People spend far too much time obsessing about external scoreboards and not nearly enough time thinking about their internal one. Hawk and Cupps offer an important corrective, arguing the most important measure is whether or not you are living in alignment with your core values.” — Brad Stulberg, Best-Selling Author of Master of Change

Be part of “Mindful Monday” — Text Hawk to 66866

The Learning Leader Show

  • Arthur grew up with one goal – To be the world’s greatest French horn player. He learned that striving for something was fungible across all fields of life. It was a great laboratory for learning.
  • Intrinsic vs Extrinsic motivation – Intrinsic motivation comes from an internal desire to accomplish a goal, while extrinsic motivation comes from external rewards and praise. 
  • “Misery comes from excessive auto-focus.” Misery comes from thinking about yourself too much and not enough about helping others.
  • The curse of the strive… All happiness comes from progress.
    • The arrival is not the goal.
  • How to be happy while striving:
    • Be grateful – Write it down. Do it daily.
    • Always look to help others.
  • “All research is ‘me-search.'”
  • The Four Idols:
    •  Money, Power, Pleasure, and Prestige/Fame. We talked through ours… What are yours?
  • The Four Focus areas to help with happiness
    • Faith
    • Family
    • Friendship
    • Serving Others
  • Define your purpose. Write it down. Understand why you’re here. Mine = “To inspire others to value and pursue excellence.” Too many people are ok with mediocrity. We should strive for more.
  • Oprah Winfrey is the same person everywhere she goes. She is genuine and authentic to all.
  • Arthur’s column helped Oprah stay positive and happy through the pandemic. So much so that she called him and asked to meet. And eventually, write a book together. That book became a #1 best-seller.
  • #1 Life Hack: “Don’t lie ever.”
  • Arthur is jacked (in great shape).
    • Taking care of your body helps with unhappiness.
    • Wake up 1.5 hours before dawn. Work out hard. Lift weights. Do challenging cardio.
  • Life/Career Advice:
    • Don’t worry too much about the first job out of college. Don’t sacrifice relationships.
    • Bring love to every relationship and be great at what you do. Be excellent.
      • Emanate love and show excellence.
  • Apply to be in my Learning Leader Circle
Resources:

Time Stamps

More Learning:

Episode 078: Kat Cole – From Hooters Waitress To President of Cinnabon

Episode 216: Jim Collins — How To Go From Good To Great

Episode #300: AJ & Keith Hawk – How To Instill Work Ethic & Curiosity In Your Children

Episode #303:  General Stanley McChrystal – The New Definition Of Leadership