We all want to be happy. In fact, it’s our desire for happiness that drives most of our decisions, like our friendships, our activities, even our purchases.

Yet, over time, we find that the things that made us so happy at the start – that new car or delicious meal – end up losing their luster.

I was curious about why this happens and what, if anything, we can do about it. That’s why I wanted to talk to Tali Sharot, cognitive neuroscientist, professor at University College London and MIT, and director of the Affective Brain Lab. In her latest book, Look Again: The Power of Noticing What Was Always There, she explains why the things that once made us happy no longer do. She also shares what we can do about it.

Episode Links

The Big Idea: This Simple Behavioural Trick Can Help You Get More out of Life

Your Life is Better Than You Think

Why People Fail to Notice Horrors around Them

David Robson on How Our Expectations Shape Us (Interview)

The Team

Learn more about host, Gayle Allen, and producer, Rob Mancabelli, here.

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