Ice skater Michelle Kwan was all set to win Olympic Gold... but in a major sporting upset she came second. Sharing her story with Dr Laurie Santos, Michelle lets us in on a key secret to achieving happiness when you're tempted to feel like a loser.
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10/01/19 • 40 min
8 Listeners
The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos - A Silver Lining
Transcript Summary
In this episode titled "A Silver Lining," the podcast explores the detrimental effects of comparing ourselves to others and the role of envy in our lives. The Dutch postcode lottery serves as an example, creating envy among neighbors tied to winning based on their zip code. The focus then shifts to the experiences of Olympic athletes, like Michaela Moroney and Michelle Kwan, who both felt disappointment after winning silver medals. This phenomenon, known as a cognitive bias, stems from focusing on what could have been. Tom Gilovich's study reveals that silver medalists often feel more miserable than bronze medalists due to higher expectations of winning gold. The episode delves into the impact of reference points on our perception of achievement and happiness, highlighting how comparison influences our views on success in areas such as looks and intelligence. Ultimately, "A Silver Lining" challenges listeners to reflect on the dangers of comparison and the pursuit of imagined futures, urging them to reassess their priorities and consider the role of envy in their lives.
Transcript
Pushkin. I want to bring you back to one of my favorite moments in sporting history, one that provides an important message about what you can do to be happier.
Speaker 1It's August fifth, twenty twelve, the London Olympics. As the soundtrack to Chariots of Fire fills the stadium, Jimmys Mkaila Moroney, wearing her team USA tracks, is waiting to accept an Olympic medal. Finally her name is called, prom
A Silver Lining Top Questions Answered
Why do silver medalists often feel miserable on the podium?
Silver medalists often feel miserable on the podium because they focus on what could have been (winning gold) rather than celebrating their achievement.
What emotions do silver medalists exhibit on their faces?
Silver medalists' facial expressions often show negative emotions such as sadness, anger, and disgust.
How are people's reactions influenced?
People's reactions are influenced by the meaning they attach to a stimulus, rather than the stimulus itself.
What role do reference points play in determining happiness?
Reference points play a significant role in determining happiness. For example, being unemployed in a town with high unemployment rates feels less bad than being unemployed in a town with low unemployment rates.
Why may millionaires and high salary earners not feel wealthy?
Millionaires and high salary earners may not feel wealthy because they frequently compare themselves to others who earn even more.
How many people in a study were willing to give up a portion of their salary?
Nearly half of the respondents in a study were willing to give up a significant portion of their salary to be doing better than others.
Does the desire for relative superiority extend beyond money?
Yes, the desire for relative superiority extends beyond money and applies to other achievements as well.
Who won the silver medal in gymnastics at the 2012 London Olympics?
Mikaela Moroney won the silver medal in gymnastics at the 2012 London Olympics.
How did Mikaela Moroney feel about winning the silver medal?
Although Mikaela Moroney publicly stated that she was happy with her silver medal, her facial expression on the podium showed disappointment and annoyance.
Who appeared happier between Mikaela Moroney and Maria Paseka at the 2012 London Olympics?
Maria Paseka, who won the bronze medal, appeared much happier than Mikaela Moroney who won silver.
What cognitive bias affects the reactions of silver medalists?
Silver medalists experience a common cognitive bias where their minds focus on what could have been (winning gold) rather than celebrating their achievement, leading to feelings of disappointment and loss.
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Show more Questions
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