"Chasing happiness can paradoxically lead to being less happy." 

Host: Michael Dargie, THEREBELREBELPODCAST.COM Guest: Mike Rucker, PhD, MICHAELRUCKER.COM

This episode of The RebelRebel Podcast features an engaging conversation with Mike Rucker, an organizational psychologist, behavioral scientist, and the author of "The Fun Habit."

Throughout the episode, Mike delves into the critical examination of happiness, the pitfalls of chasing it obsessively, and how cultivating fun as a habit can lead to a more balanced, fulfilling life.

Drawing from personal experiences, including the loss of his brother and the insights gained from his academic and professional journey, Mike advocates for incorporating fun into our lives as a resilient response to life's challenges. He emphasizes the importance of emotional flexibility, the role of positive psychology, and the transformative power of embracing enjoyment amidst adversity.

The discussion covers various facets of living a fulfilling life, from understanding the neuroscience behind happiness to practical advice on integrating fun into everyday routines.

Cool Stuff Mike Says

"Chasing happiness can paradoxically lead to being less happy." 

"You need to be sad sometimes... it's part of dealing with life's big things." 

"Despite our emotional state, we can still generate things that we enjoy." 

"We created a situation where we started to look at happiness as this outcome that's always kind of on the horizon."

"Happiness is not just about the pursuit; it's also about embracing the present and finding joy in the simple things."

Episode Highlights

• Mike Rucker's exploration of happiness and the introduction of the concept of "toxic positivity."
• The personal journey of Mike Rucker following the loss of his brother and how it shaped his views on happiness and fun.
• Insights into the evolution of positive psychology and its impact on our understanding of well-being.
• The development and key messages of Mike Rucker's book, "The Fun Habit."
• Practical strategies for integrating fun into daily life and overcoming the barriers to genuine enjoyment.

Links from Episode:

• Mike on Facebook
• Mike on Instagram
• Mike on LinkedIn
• Mike Rucker's website
• "The Fun Habit" by Mike Rucker 
• "Sapiens" by Yval Noah Harari

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