This episode of How to Be Happy is a deep dive into the "human" side of the science of happiness. I’m joined by my long-time friend and BU Happiness College graduate, James Tanner, to explore how his approach to fulfilment has shifted over a fifty-year journey; from chasing external "wins" to finding a much deeper sense of internal peace.

James opens up about the pressure of a "win-lose" mentality in his youth and the emotional toll of trying to earn happiness through achievement. We discuss his transition into a "win-learn" mindset and the critical role that curiosity and faith play in building a life that feels purposeful, even when it’s messy.

Whether you consider yourself spiritual, religious, or simply curious, James's perspective on "loving God, loving people, and loving yourself" offers a universal roadmap for better connection.

In this episode, we explore:

• The Achievement Trap: Why tying your happiness to external "happenings" is a recipe for an emotional roller coaster.

  
  

• Win-Loss vs. Win-Learn: How to reframe "failures" as the necessary "sidewalks to the classroom" of your life.

  
  

• The 3 Directions of Connection: Why peak happiness requires connecting to yourself, to others, and to something greater than yourself.

  
  

• Curiosity as the Antidote to Judgment: How staying curious about your own story and the stories of others dismantles the barriers to love and fulfillment.

  
  

• The 7 Factors of Fulfillment: James shares how he used this BU framework to organise his life and why he decided to put spirituality at the "hub" of his wheel.

  
  

  Action Steps & Resources:

  
  

• [DIP YOUR TOE IN] Enrol in the Certificate of Happiness Studies: Start your journey with our foundational 6-week short course. Use code PODCAST at checkout for a special listener price (available for the first 100 people). https://buhappinesscollege.thinkific.com/products/courses/certificate

  
  

• [DIVE IN THE DEEP END] Book a Happiness Strategy Session: Work 1-on-1 with a BU coach to complete your own "7 Factors of Fulfillment" audit. Use code HAPPY100 to save $100 off your first session. https://www.buhappinesscollege.com/coaching

  
  

• The Happiness Blueprint: Explore our comprehensive self-study program to master all 75 skills of happiness taught at the College. https://www.buhappinesscollege.com/happiness-blueprint

  
  

• Pre-order 'How to Be Happy': Secure your copy of Declan’s upcoming book to start building your own evidence-based toolkit for life. https://amzn.to/40AU8BT

  
  

What is one thing you are choosing to be curious about this week? Share your thoughts in the Spotify comments