BBC Maestro: Mo Gawdat - Happiness

An overview of why Mo Gawdat began studying happiness and what will be discussed in the course.

Mo's personal story, from his beginnings in Egypt and unexpected career success, to the pivotal moment he broke his family's heart and the life-altering tragedy that sparked his happiness mission

Defining what happiness is and is not and dispelling the three core assumptions around it that make it seem elusive rather than predictable.

An analysis of the Happiness Equation, a mathematical formula that predicts happiness and upon which Mo's book Solve for Happy is based.

Learn how to manage unhappiness and recognise it as your brain's way of calling attention to the parts of your life that aren't meeting your expectations.

A three-step process for questioning, fixing, and even growing from incessant and distressful thinking.

Understanding the purpose and true nature of thinking and why our brains are fixated on the negative.

Making an agreement with your brain to only give you useful thoughts or joyful thoughts is key to reclaiming control of your thinking.

A dive into neuroplasticity, the brain's capacity to change and adapt the foundation of all self-improvement.

Exercising gratitude is the cornerstone of training your mind to always solve the Happiness Equation favourably.

Learning not to sweat the small stuff and to flow with life's obstacles is a powerful tool for maintaining uninterrupted happiness.

Meditation is the most powerful exercise for cultivating self-development and happiness ever conceived by humanity.

Mindfulness is the act of consciously engaging in the present moment by actively sensing the world around you.

Allow your brain to purge itself of chaotic thoughts simply by letting it talk without interruption, because we all want to be heard.

Forget the stigma around daydreaming and learn to visualise favourable outcomes in all aspects of your life.

Simplify your life by only allowing yourself to consume content that aligns with your values and goals.

Nature is a fundamental need for humans and, paradoxically, its imperfections are what make it the perfect backdrop for happiness.

Learn why time is nothing more than a stubborn illusion through the lens of physics and the interpretations of different cultures.

Emotions are fundamentally either positive or negative, and the best of them are found in the present moment.

Mastering the art of turning Brain Time into Practical Time is to go from being overwhelmed by thoughts to taking action to solve your problems.

Stress: is a modern, insidious epidemic that can be understood and managed enough to help you feel less stressed.

The brain is the ultimate survival machine that shapes our view of the world based on seven blind spots, often to our own detriment.

Striving for control is antithetical to the foundations of nature, and it's crucial to understand when to exert it and when to let go.

Don't get blindsided by the impending technological revolution driven by AI that will change our lives dramatically.

Creating a happy workplace is not a luxury but in fact one of the best business decisions a company can make.

Purpose differs between Eastern and Western cultures, and the key to happiness at work lies with embracing both perspectives.

Become more productive by improving yourself and your workplace holistically rather than pushing yourself unhealthily past your limits.

Leaders can promote a culture of happiness at work by setting an example and fostering a supportive environment.

Unhappiness at work is one of the primary drivers of productivity loss and must be dealt with for an optimally functioning workplace.

Finding fulfilment at work is a personal endeavour ultimately in the hands of every individual worker, but the organisation is responsible for not getting in the way.

A recap of what we've learned on the quest to becoming happier, less stressed, more present, and confidently prepared for an uncertain future.