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Aneesah Bakker

Owner/Director/Developer, Creative Change Coaching

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When we think we have no options, can we change our perception? Does having options make us happier?

Like with "everything", so too there "is" a paradox of choice.

1. Are we happier when we think we have a choice?
2. What if circumstances are such that there "are" no choices, e.g. during the holocaust. Lessons learned indicate that perceiving a choice in such circumstances can create "happiness".
3. Can too much choice, create unhappiness?
4. Are there different types of choices?
5. Whose responsibility is it to change our perception?
6. In any given situation, would you try to change the circumstances before you try to change your perspective?
7. Can the economics of happiness be separated from the economics of things/consumerism?

A related ted talk on the Ted radio hour is the talk by Barry Schwartz: Does Having Options Make Us Happier:
http://www.npr.org/2012/05/04/151879693/does-having-options-make-us-happier

Related Talks:
Topics: choice happiness options paradox perception responsibility
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    Bharath Kumar Kunjibettu 10+

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    May 9 2012: Well all I can say is we need to always follow our inner most passion and dreams . Though the question is slightly hard to understand, we can say the answer is very simple
    When we face tough times in our lives , its only because god knows there something better in store for us
    Happiness comes out of socializing more than social networking .
    Kindness is the only virtue to happiness :)

    • jenni logue

      • 0
      May 10 2012: Well said Bharath,
      I like "Happiness comes out of socializing". Few people remember how hopeless they feel when laughing with friends.

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