Arthur Brooks_ Build the Life You Want_ The Art and Science of Getting Happier

Speaker expresses loyalty to BYU and acknowledges the University of Utah's recent achievement.
Notable event: Appointment of Taylor Randall as the 17th President of the University of Utah. - Background of Taylor Randall: - Distinguished alum with deep family ties to University of Utah. - Earned an MBA and doctorate from Wharton School of Business, University of Pennsylvania. - Appointed as Dean of the David Eccles School of Business within 10 years of returning to Utah.

Under Randall's leadership: - Increased the size of the school fivefold. - Launched centers and institutes such as: - Sorenson Impact Center. - Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute.
Joint project with the speaker on Utah Governor's Emergency Task Force during the COVID-19 pandemic. - Randall provided clear, research-informed guidance. - His leadership helped save lives and livelihoods.
As President, Randall's vision includes: - Transforming University of Utah into a top 10 public research university. - Focusing on research with positive social impacts.

Randall mentions his pleasure in speaking at BYU.
Acknowledges the collaborative spirit between educational institutions to foster optimism.
Expressions of personal gratitude and regard for colleagues, especially Gary Cornea (former dean at BYU) and Bridget Madrian (current dean).
Personal anecdote about family - Daughter’s decision to attend BYU.

Introduction of the concept of an Impact Scholar: - Goal: Shift focus from inward-looking to serving society at large post-COVID. - Appointment of Arthur Brooks as the first Impact Scholar.

Background of Arthur Brooks: - Parker Gilbert Montgomery Professor of Public and Nonprofit Leadership at Harvard Kennedy School. - Professor of Management Practice at Harvard Business School. - Author of 13 books including the bestseller "From Strength to Strength." - Recently co-authored "Build the Life You Want," with Oprah Winfrey, focusing on happiness and emotional self-management.

Brooks reflects on previous visits to BYU since 2005 and the influence of the community.
Emphasizes the aim to improve societal happiness and values.

Common question when meeting someone: "What do you do?"
Brooks explains his teaching on the "science of happiness." - Happiness defined as distinct from pleasure.
Broad importance of studying happiness: 400 on the waiting list for his class indicates high demand.

Definition of Happiness: - Not just feelings; happiness has underlying components and is not merely a transient emotion.
Pleasant feelings are indicators but not definitions of happiness.
Explanation using Thanksgiving as a metaphor: the joy of the event is greater than just the pleasant smell of food.

Happiness akin to nutrition: - Three macronutrients of happiness: 1. Enjoyment: - Engaging in pleasurable activities with significance. - Essential to include social connections and memory to experience true enjoyment. 2. Satisfaction: - Feeling of joy after struggle; derived from the efforts put into achieving goals. - The value of experiencing struggle and earning joy. 3. Meaning: - Understanding the 'why' of existence. - Involves coherence and purpose in life.

Brooks encourages strategic and meaningful pursuit of happiness rather than reactive pursuit of transient pleasures.

Enjoyment vs. Pleasure: - Enjoyment requires people and shared memories, thus fostering deeper connections. - Avoid isolation away from pleasurable activities, - Factors that cultivate enjoyment include social interactions during pleasurable activities.

Satisfaction arises after personal struggle, reinforcing the value of hard work.
Uses personal history examples to illustrate satisfaction gained from overcoming struggles.

Essential for happiness is an understanding of personal meaning.
Two questions are pivotal: 1. Why are you alive? 2. For what would you give your life?
Answers can guide individuals toward their path of meaning and fulfillment.

Four primary habits contributing to happiness: 1. Faith: - Spiritual beliefs and gratifications that connect to happiness through societal service. 2. Family: - The bonds and support in familial relationships. 3. Friendship: - The significance and support from genuine friendships; value in non-utilitarian relationships. 4. Work: - Having a fulfilling job that contributes value to society and makes one feel needed.

Summarizes the core messages about achieving happiness through love, service, and meaningful relationships.
Encourages proactive approaches: teach others, communicate happiness, and promote these ideas to cultivate collective happiness.
Brooks wraps up by reiterating the mission: to spread love and happiness, and the power of education in fostering positive change.