How to Lead the Richest Life Possible
I'm excited to share some key takeaways from my recent conversation with the psychologist Shige Oishi on The Happiness Lab podcast. Shige has a fabulous new book called Life in Three Dimensions: How Curiosity, Exploration, and Experience Make a Fuller, Better Life. The book explores how we can live a psychologically rich life— that is, a life filled with the sorts of diverse, interesting experiences that often lead to a change in perspective. Think of it as having a wealth of stories and experiences stored in your psychological memory bank.
Now, you might be thinking, "That sounds amazing, Laurie, but my life is so busy! How can I possibly fit in more richness?" Well, Shige shared some practical tips for cultivating more richness in our recent episode, “How to Lead the Richest Life Possible.” Here’s your companion guide to help you put these insights into practice:
Five Tips for Leading the Richest Life Possible
Tip #1: Embrace Playfulness. Remember what it was like to be a kid, always curious and eager to explore? Tap into that playful spirit! Shige describes playfulness as taking a vacation from the obligations of your daily life. And playfulness isn't just fun— it can also help protect you from burnout.
Tip #2: Embrace Serendipity and Spontaneity. Leave some room in your schedule for the unexpected! Say “yes” to last-minute invitations from friends and don’t be afraid to be the one to suggest impromptu adventures with others. Try this: randomly text a friend with an idea for an impromptu meetup. And don't get discouraged if plans fall through. The key is to keep putting those invitations out there to make space for a departure from our routine.
Tip #3: Find More Awe. Awe is that feeling of being completely absorbed in something vast and inspiring, like a breathtaking view or a moving piece of art. Seek out immersive experiences that evoke awe, whether it's visiting a museum, attending a concert, spending time in nature, or even getting lost in a good book.
Tip #4: Explore More. To find more psychological richness, consider breaking out of your daily routine. Instead of always taking the same route home, try intentionally deviating from your usual path. Even small changes like getting lost (rather than staring at your map) can lead to unexpected discoveries. While stepping into the unknown might feel uncomfortable at first, cultivating an attitude that embraces uncertainty can lead to a psychologically richer life.
Tip #5: Turn Adversity into a Psychologically Rich Experience. We all face challenges. Tough experiences, while difficult, can contribute to psychological richness by changing our perspective. Try to reframe setbacks as opportunities for growth and learning. Ask yourself: “What have I learned from this experience?”
Finally, remember that a psychologically rich life isn't about being happy all the time. Part of the power of psychological richness comes from accepting the full spectrum of human experience— the good, the bad, and everything in between. Shifting to a mindset that embraces all your emotions can maximize your ability to live a truly rich life.