Last week, I had the privilege of tuning into a thought-provoking webinar where Dr. Mark Williamson interviewed Sir Anthony Seldon, co-founder of Action for Happiness. Sir Anthony’s dedication to authentic happiness, combined with his humour and relatability, left me inspired—not just to take steps towards my own wellbeing, but to think about how I can contribute to the happiness of others.
The Essence of Happiness: Beyond Pleasure
One of the key takeaways from the session was the distinction between two types of happiness: hedonic happiness (centered around pleasure) and eudaimonic happiness (centered around meaning and fulfillment). While pleasure has its limits (even chocolate eventually stops being enjoyable after a point), eudaimonic happiness is infinite and deeply rooted in purpose and connection.
The 10 Keys to Happier Living: GREAT DREAM
Sir Anthony revisited the foundational steps of Action for Happiness—10 keys that spell out GREAT DREAM:
• Giving – Do kind things for others.
• Relating – Connect with people.
• Exercising – Take care of your body.
• Awareness – Live life mindfully.
• Trying Out – Keep learning new things.
• Direction – Have goals to look forward to.
• Resilience – Find ways to bounce back.
• Emotions – Look for what’s good.
• Acceptance – Be comfortable with who you are.
• Meaning – Be part of something bigger.
Each of these steps reminds us that happiness isn’t just about feeling good; it’s about contributing to our own growth and the wellbeing of those around us.
Reflecting on Regrets and Opportunities
A particularly poignant moment was when Sir Anthony shared a question he frequently asks leaders: What do you regret most? Many reflected on missed opportunities to create meaningful impact. With the year drawing to a close, it’s a good time to ask ourselves: What opportunities did I have this year to make a difference, and how can I embrace these more fully next year?
Healing Relationships and Extending Compassion
The festive season is often a time of reflection and connection, and Sir Anthony encouraged us to consider being the person who mends rifts in relationships. By focusing on common ground rather than division, we open the door to healing. A simple, thoughtful gesture—like writing a handwritten letter—can be a powerful way to reach out and rebuild connections.
Education and the Balance of Head, Heart, and Hand
Sir Anthony’s passion for education was evident. He emphasised the importance of integrating the hand (creativity) and the heart (emotional intelligence) alongside the head (academic learning). He believes schools should nurture agency, resilience, and self-expression rather than focus solely on academic achievement.
In early childhood education, we often embrace this “heart” approach, but some families may undervalue its importance as children transition to school. How might we, as educators, communicate the value of emotional and social development and creativity to our communities?
Spreading Happiness: It’s Bigger Than Ourselves
Happiness isn’t just personal—it’s communal. By bringing joy to others, we contribute to a happier world. Sir Anthony invited us to reflect on what it means to be human—caring, curious, playful, and compassionate—and to embrace these qualities fully.
Practical Takeaways
Sir Anthony offered a few simple yet profound actions:
1. Share a hug with those around you.
2. Love more—(the best piece of advice he has ever received.)
3. Practice “The Checkout” at the end of each day or session:
o Reconnect with how you’re feeling.
o Appreciate something about the moment.
o Send goodwill into the world.
What’s Your GREAT DREAM?
As we move forward, I wonder: How can you contribute to your own GREAT DREAM and to the happiness of those you live and work with? Small actions can create ripple effects, bringing meaningful change to our lives and the lives of others.
Let’s take these lessons to heart and step into the new year with purpose, positivity, and connection. 🌟
For more great ideas on happiness go to www.actionforhappiness.org
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