Finding Joy in Simple Pleasures with Mike Rucker, Ph.D.

This week’s episode of the Growth Guide podcast features Mike Rucker. Mike is an organizational psychologist, behavioral scientist, and charter member of the International Positive Psychology Association. He has been academically published in publications like the International Journal of Workplace Health Management. His ideas about fun and health have been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, Fast Company, Psychology Today, Forbes, Vox, Thrive Global, Mindful, mindbodygreen, and more. He joined us today to talk about his best-selling book, ‘The Fun Habit: How the Pursuit of Joy and Wonder Can Change Your Life.’

In this episode, Mike dives into the topic of finding joy and fulfillment in life by breaking free from the constant busyness trap. We discuss how the pandemic has allowed many of us to reflect on our goals and priorities, challenging the notion of a meritocracy and redefining what success truly means. 

Mike shares insights into the impact of social media on self-perception, the importance of setting achievable goals, and the significance of autonomy over our time. Tune into this episode to explore strategies for creating balance, embracing fun, and curating meaningful memories to live a more fulfilling and joyful life. 

[06.54] Social behaviors – Social behavior is a complex concept because, when it comes to times like COVID-19, people have difficulty coping without their rhythms and routines. 

[12.43] Different approaches – When you are trapped in a certain way, you have to try an approach that you are comfortable with, not what other people are comfortable with.

[20.17] Happiness trap – Mike explains the difference between anticipatory pleasure and consummatory pleasure.

[30.54] Sacrifice – There’s a certain level of sacrifice you have to make when you dream big. Not everyone has the ability to do that. 

[37.15] Achieving goals – We talk about making the process of achieving goals enjoyable rather than the outcome enjoyable. 

[44.00] The trick – Mike explains how anything that will alleviate boredom, traumatic pain, or discomfort could sometimes trick us into thinking we are enjoying it.

[50.00] Time - If you don't have any autonomy over how you spend your time, it creates the problem of feeling trapped. 

[01.00.48] SAVOR system – Story editing, activity bundling, variable hedonics, options, and reminiscing.

[01.07.47] Reminiscing – We talk about the importance of remembering pleasant things we’ve had in the past. 

[01.18.50] Choose Your Own Adventure – When you’ve reached the foundation of what makes you happy, you don’t need to fill your time with unnecessary goals.

Resources

Connect with Mike

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/michaelrucker/ 

Instagram - instagram.com/thewonderoffun/ 

Twitter - twitter.com/performbetter 

Facebook - web.facebook.com/mike.rucker.phd/ 

Website - michaelrucker.com/ 

Book by Mike Rucker PhD

The Fun Habit: How the Pursuit of Joy and Wonder Can Change Your Life

Book by Yuval Noah Harari

Sapiens: A Graphic History: The Birth of Humankind

Book by Bessel van der Kolk M.D

The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma