Our AI writing assistant, WriteUp, can assist you in easily writing any text. Click here to experience its capabilities.

How to be happier at work, says Ivy League-trained expert who's led workshops at Google, Microsoft

View Original View Raw

Summary

Srikumar Rao, a PhD-trained psychologist, has taught Fortune 500 executives and students at top business schools how to be happier at work. He believes that much of the stress and frustration people experience at their jobs comes from distractions. To reduce distractions and increase happiness at work, he recommends two tactics: observing mental chatter and limiting interruptions. He also suggests setting up time blocks and turning off personal phones during work hours. With these habits, tasks can become more enjoyable and help reduce feelings of stress and unhappiness.

Q&As

What strategies does Ivy League-trained expert Srikumar Rao recommend in order to be happier at work?
Srikumar Rao recommends "interrupting your mental chatter" and limiting interruptions at work in order to reduce distractions and become happier at work.

What are the benefits of cutting out distractions in the workplace?
The benefits of cutting out distractions in the workplace include lower levels of stress, improved cognitive flexibility, higher relationship satisfaction, and other health benefits.

What is the "interrupting your mental chatter" technique used to reduce distractions at work?
The "interrupting your mental chatter" technique is used to reduce distractions at work by observing whatever thoughts and feelings you're experiencing, recognizing negative, intrusive thoughts as distractions, and refocusing your attention on whatever activity you're doing in the present moment.

How does being unhappy at work affect other spheres of life?
Being unhappy at work can spill over onto other spheres of life, hurting your relationships, your sleep and your overall mental health.

What is the number one soft skill successful people use to get ahead at work?
The number one soft skill successful people use to get ahead at work is the ability to focus and be present.

AI Comments

👍 This article provides a great insight into how to be happier at work and provides practical strategies for reducing distractions and increasing happiness.

👎 This article offers few real solutions to the serious problem of workplace unhappiness and burnout.

AI Discussion

Me: It's about how to be happier at work, according to an Ivy League-trained expert who has led workshops at Google and Microsoft. He talks about how dealing with constant distractions at work adds to unhappiness and shares two strategies for reducing distractions and increasing happiness.

Friend: That's really interesting. It seems like it's important to be mindful of our mental chatter and not get distracted by technology when we're trying to be productive. It also makes sense that reducing distractions and limiting interruptions can help us feel calmer and happier at work.

Me: Yeah, it's definitely worth considering. It's interesting to think about how workplace stress can affect other aspects of our lives, like our relationships and mental health. It's important to prioritize our happiness at work so it doesn't spill over into other parts of our lives.

Action items

Make a conscious effort to observe your mental chatter and recognize negative, intrusive thoughts as distractions.
Set up time blocks in your calendar to take breaks in between meetings and turn off your personal phone during work hours.
Identify stressors and distractions that are within your control and take steps to reduce them.

Technical terms

Ivy League-trained expert: An expert who has received a degree from one of the eight prestigious universities in the Ivy League.
Fortune 500 executives: Executives of the 500 largest companies in the United States, as ranked by Fortune magazine.
Columbia Business School: The business school of Columbia University in New York City.
Haas School of Business: The business school of the University of California, Berkeley.
London Business School: The business school of the University of London.
Google, Microsoft, Merill Lynch: Three large companies in the technology, software, and financial services industries, respectively.
CNBC Make It: A website and newsletter from CNBC, a business news network.
Goldman Sachs: A multinational investment bank and financial services company.
Harvard-trained psychologist: A psychologist who has received a degree from Harvard University.