We have more information, more connection, and more resources than any generation before us. So why are we less happy than ever?
Declan Edwards has spent over a decade studying exactly that question. In this episode, the founder of BU Happiness College and author of How to Be Happy makes the case that happiness isn’t a destination you arrive at after enough success — it’s a skill set you build. And most of us have the relationship completely backwards.
In this episode:
- Over 50% of people say busyness and stress are the #1 thing blocking their happiness
- We have the success-happiness relationship completely backwards — the research shows happiness is the input, not the reward
- Savoring is a learnable skill — and the reason your second accomplishment is usually better than your first
- Happier salespeople outsell their peers by 37%
- Small talk isn’t dead — we’ve just replaced depth of connection with cheap, convenient connection
- A happy life doesn’t mean always feeling good. It means building the skills to navigate the hard moments without losing yourself
- Why introspection is a skill most people quit on too early — and the simple way to start practicing it this week
- Success at the expense of happiness is the most common and greatest form of failure
About Declan Edwards:
Declan Edwards is a happiness expert, researcher with a Masters in Applied Positive Psychology, and founder of BU Happiness College. He has shared his work with the United Nations General Assembly, TEDx, PwC, and the Red Cross. His new book, How to Be Happy, translates happiness research into actionable daily habits.
About the Host
Brad Bialy is a trusted voice and highly sought-after speaker in the staffing and recruiting industry, known for helping firms grow through integrated marketing, sales, and recruiting strategies. With over 13 years at Haley Marketing and a proven track record guiding hundreds of firms, Brad brings deep expertise and a fresh, actionable perspective to every engagement. He’s the host of Take the Stage and InSights, two of the staffing industry’s leading podcasts with more than 250,000 downloads.
Sponsors and Offers Heard
Take the Stage is presented by Haley Marketing. For a limited time, we’re offer 50% off of a brand new staffing website. Just message Brad Bialy on LinkedIn and mention the Crazy Website Promo.
For 30 years, Benefits in a Card has delivered benefit plans designed specifically for the staffing industry—over 140 unique options with immediate coverage, unique perks like FreeRx, and solutions that reduce turnover while improving ACA compliance. Give your workforce benefits they’ll actually use and give your staffing firm a competitive edge. Learn more at: https://www.BenefitsInACard.com.
Resources from Declan Edwards:
Happiness Scorecard (free, 5 minutes): https://quiz.buhappinesscollege.com/happinessscorecard
How to Be Happy — Declan’s book: https://amzn.to/4xeRksC
How to Be Happy Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0zriwga04Rl0pbjFuDF6Hl?si=89ca582f79764d4f
