Why pursuing happiness makes you ... less happy | Emily Esfahani Smith

The conversation explores the distinction between pursuing happiness and cultivating a meaningful life, particularly in the context of New Year's resolutions and navigating life's transitions. Psychologist Emily Esfahani Smith suggests framing resolutions around underlying values like health or connection, rather than discrete goals. Smith argues that meaning, defined as connecting and contributing to something beyond oneself, serves as a stabilizing force, unlike the ephemeral nature of happiness. Drawing from Viktor Frankl's experiences in concentration camps, she highlights how a sense of purpose fosters resilience. Smith advocates for nurturing belonging, valuing others intrinsically, and creating cultures of meaning to combat rising rates of loneliness and mental illness. She also suggests reframing daily tasks as acts of love and finding micro-moments to cultivate meaning.