S3E4 JOYrific 🧠 Mental Health Minute with Dr. Matt | Resolving Resolutions: Embracing Kindness, Contentment, and the Myth of Happiness

In this podcast segment, Jamie Braithwaite & Dr. Matt Larson, engage in a lively discussion about New Year's resolutions and mental health 🎙️🧠. They ponder over the common dichotomy where people either adore or despise making resolutions, noting that most abandon them by January 13th 📆💔. The conversation dives into the reality of goal-setting and its often misguided association with happiness 🎯😕.

Dr. Matt Larsen shares his journey of setting numerous, detailed goals across various life domains, including physical, social, and spiritual aspects 🏃‍♂️👥🙏. Despite meticulously tracking his progress and achieving these goals, he confronts the realization that they didn't equate to happiness 😞🔍. This revelation prompts him to shift focus towards appreciating his current state and seeking contentment in the present 🌟🌱.

We also dissect the elusive nature of happiness, suggesting that it's not a direct target but a byproduct of other life choices such as maintaining good health, balancing life, and nurturing meaningful relationships 👥❤️🏋️‍♂️. They propose an alternative New Year's resolution for listeners: to be helpful, be kind, and avoid whining, emphasizing the transformative power of kindness and helpfulness over the direct pursuit of happiness 🤝🌈✨.