Ideas change everything

The happy secret to better work

26,659,528 plays|

Shawn Achor |

TEDxBloomington

• May 2011

We believe we should work hard in order to be happy, but could we be thinking about things backwards? In this fast-moving and very funny talk, psychologist Shawn Achor argues that, actually, happiness inspires us to be more productive.

We believe we should work hard in order to be happy, but could we be thinking about things backwards? In this fast-moving and very funny talk, psychologist Shawn Achor argues that, actually, happiness inspires us to be more productive.

This talk was presented to a local audience at TEDxBloomington, an independent event. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

Read more about TEDx.

Join the happiness movement.

About the speaker

See speaker profile

Shawn Achor is the CEO of Good Think Inc., where he researches and teaches about positive psychology.

Learn more

Big Potential: How Transforming the Pursuit of Success Raises Our Achievement, Happiness, and Well-Being

Shawn Achor | Currency (2018)

Shawn Achor - *Big Potential: How Transforming the Pursuit of Success Raises Our Achievement, Happiness, and Well-Being*

The Happiness Advantage

Shawn Achor | Virgin Publishing (2011)

Shawn Achor - *The Happiness Advantage*

Since the Talk: Why are some people stuck in their ways?

Continuing with his theme, Shawn Achor asks why some people are able to make positive changes in their life and work — and some people just stay put.

About TEDx

TEDx was created in the spirit of TED's mission, "ideas worth spreading." It supports independent organizers who want to create a TED-like event in their own community.

Find a TEDx event near you

This talk was presented to a local audience at TEDxBloomington, an independent event. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

Read more about TEDx.

Join the happiness movement.