I have occasionally been accused of being overzealous about things. Yup, it’s true. With that said, I would say that these two Ted Talks that I watched recently could totally change your life. One was recommended to me by Don (our soon-to-be guest poster on all things business/motivation) and one I randomly came across. Both talks contain ideas for being happier and more successful. What they also both have is the science and research to underpin the suggestions that they are making. Take the 33 minutes to watch these talks in full when you have a chance. I guarantee you will take something away from them. (And, I really do think they could change your life!)
The title of this talk is “Your Body Language Shapes Who You Are.” Amy Cuddy starts by saying that she is offering “a free low tech life hack and it only takes 2 minutes and could change your life.” Her research on body language reveals that “we can change other people’s perceptions — and even our own body chemistry — simply by changing body positions.” Seriously? Well, she presents some compelling research on judgements of IMAGES of physicians or politicians can determine who gets sued or elected. She researched power dynamics and “non-verbal expressions of power and dominance.” She discusses how humans display powerfulness or powerlessness with body language. Something that I found astounding was that her research shows that even body chemistry can be influenced by the body’s positions.
I could write a really long post on this, but the key take aways are:
- All animals (including humans) use body language to show dominance or subservience.
- Physiology is influenced by body language
- Body language and other non-verbals govern how others view us AND our body language can also govern how we feel about ourselves.
- You can “fake it until you make it” – studies show that acting powerful (with non-verbal gestures) can make you feel more powerful and can influence your body chemistry.
- More powerful and dominant people have higher testosterone and low cortisol – they lead, dominate and are not stress-reactive. Acting dominant (by changing body language) can change the body’s physiology. Even if you only do it for as little as 2 minutes!
- Can this have lasting effects? She argues that yes, “our bodies change our minds, minds change behavior and behaviors change our outcomes”
- Tiny tweaks can lead to big changes – take 2 minutes before your next stressful situation to pose powerfully!
So, if you see me standing in a powerful pose before my next public speaking engagement, interview or running race, you’ll know why!
The title of this talk is “The Secret To Happiness at Work.” I would argue that this is the secret to happiness in LIFE. Shawn Achor, author of several books on happiness and positive thinking and “happiness researcher” at Harvard University, leads this heart-warming talk. His energy and enthusiasm are contagious. I watched it several times. I may write a longer post on this, but the key take aways:
- “The lens through which the brain shapes the world shapes your reality.” You can change the lens, change happiness and all educational and business outcomes in the mean time.
- “10% of happiness is determined by external factors and 90% of happiness is predicted by the way in which your brain processes the world.” You can change the latter.
- 75% of job success is determined by optimism, social support and positivity, not by the quality of the work necessarily.
- We assume that hard work will lead to success then happiness. This is often not true. We then move the goal post and change goals. This paradigm can be reversed. You can raise positivity and happiness and this begets success.
- The brain and perceptions can change (studies cited in the video). How?
- Practice Gratitude: Write 3 new things to be thankful for each day for 21 days
- Journal About Positive Experiences
- Meditate: To learn to live in the moment and stop “cultural ADD”
- Practice Kindness: Start every day by emailing (or calling or texting or telling) someone something positive or thanking them for something.
There is lots of research on this topic. I think it is super interesting. I also buy it. I think writing about positive things here most days lifts my spirits and changes the lens with which I view the world. Getting comments or suggestions boosts my outlook, too (hint, hint). Kindness boosts positivity, too! Also included here are random acts of kindness and deliberate acts of kindness. For more on deliberate acts of kindness (well, generosity) check out an LA philanthropist’s thoughts on one of his main recipient’s, K.I.D.S, blogs, too.
Check out Good Think, Inc for more of Shawn Achor’s work. Also check out the awesome PBS series and blog This Emotional Life for much, much more.
Thanks to Don for sending me the second talk! Do you have a favorite TED Talk? Please send it over and let me know why it’s your favorite!
Have a great week! We are having a mini-heatwave here in Chicago. What are you doing to stay cool?