For decades, a widely accepted view has been that people are stuck with a basic setting on their happiness thermostat. It says the effects of good or bad life events like marriage, a raise, divorce, or disability will simply fade with time.
But recent long-term studies have revealed that the happiness thermostat is more malleable […]

There’s been a lot of talk and media coverage in recent weeks surrounding Ian Thorpe’s decision to retire from swimming. I don’t like to think that he’s “quit” swimming because someone who’s achieved as much as he’s achieved (multiple world records, Olympic Gold Medals etc) is hardly a “quitter”. But what interests me is […]

“Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.”
- Abraham Lincoln
This great quote summarises so succinctly and effectively the extent to which our happiness is up to us. So decide how happy you want to be, work out what you need to do, and then make it happen.

I’m really excited!
I’ve just agreed to write another book, along the same lines as “The Happiness Handbook” but more specifically focused on happiness at work.
Now most of the book will address organisational applications of the core principles outlined in The Happiness Handbook, along with the many lessons I’ve learned over the last few […]

Just a few quick thoughts…
Today I had several meetings in Parramatta (Western Sydney) and for various reasons I didn’t drive there from the city but instead, caught the train. On the way out there I read the paper; but on the way back, although I’d taken some work to do, I simply stared out […]

I consider myself incredibly lucky that I get to meet so many amazing and happy people. And when I see happiness and success you probably won’t be surprised to hear that I often ask myself, “What’s the source of this happiness?”
Now I’m not suggesting there’s any one magic secret to happiness but there are […]

I read something today that reminded me of a statistic I’ve heard many times but often forget - there are 86,400 seconds every day. Even if you allow 8 hours for sleeping that’s still more than 57,000 moments each and every day.
- more than 57,000 opportunities to be happy.
- more than 57,000 […]

I’ve just returned from an enjoyable afternoon during which I took my team to lunch and as part of which we watched the Melbourne Cup. For those of you who don’t live in Australia, the Melbourne Cup is our premier horse racing event and one that over the years has also become a significant […]

Keeping up to date with the latest happiness research is part of what I do on a regular basis - it is, essentially, my job which is great because I love to read, I love to learn and I love to share these lessons with others. So when we’re asked to come in to […]