The Science of Happiness and Social Connection
Shawn Achor — Bestselling Author and Researcher On Positive Psychology and Happiness
Question
What does science say about happiness, resilience and meaningful success?
Answer
Shawn Achor explains that happiness fuels performance and that gratitude, purpose and strong relationships improve every area of life.
Explanation
In this episode of Icons and Ideas, Peter Mallouk talks with Shawn Achor about positive psychology, happiness, resilience and social connection.
What You'll Learn
- Why happiness fuels success instead of following it
- The daily habits that improve mental health, resilience and well-being
- How gratitude, purpose and meaningful relationships transform your life
- Practical ways to overcome burnout, loneliness, anxiety and negative thinking
Timestamps
Key Takeaways
- Strong social connections are the single greatest predictor of long-term happiness and well-being.
- Gratitude is a daily practice that reshapes how your brain experiences the world.
- Happiness improves performance, decision-making, leadership, health and resilience.
- Small, consistent habits repeated over time create meaningful and lasting positive change.
Transcript
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum. Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo. Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt.
Full transcript for this episode is coming soon.
Disclosure
Investing in stock markets involves the risk of loss. Rankings and/or recognition by unaffiliated rating services and/or publications should not be construed by a client or prospective client as a guarantee that he/she will experience a certain level of results if Creative Planning is engaged, or continues to be engaged, to provide investment advisory services. For additional disclosures, visit https://creativeplanning.com/important-disclosure-information/.
Who's in this episode
Shawn Achor
Bestselling Author and Researcher On Positive Psychology and Happiness
Shawn Achor is a bestselling author, a speaker and one of the world's leading researchers on positive psychology and happiness. His work has been featured globally for demonstrating how optimism, gratitude, purpose and social connection improve performance, leadership, mental health and long-term success. Through decades of research, Shawn has helped organizations, schools, healthcare systems and business leaders build happier and more resilient lives.
Peter Mallouk
President & CEO, Creative Planning
Peter Mallouk is the President and CEO of Creative Planning, one of the largest independent wealth management firms in the country. He hosts Icons and Ideas, candid conversations with the world's leading entrepreneurs, founders and changemakers.

