By Richard Wiseman ReadOasis Step 3 In 1884, the great American Philosopher William James had a radical idea. James argued that if you behave as if you’re a certain type of person, you become that person. Decades of research has shown that James’s idea applies to all aspects of... Read more
ReadOasis Step 2 Joy is late for work. She runs out the door in a hurry to catch the bus. As she runs, she sees her neighbor. The neighbor looks at Joy and smiles. He says, "Good morning Joy! Have a great day!" Joy says, "Thanks, you too!" And... Read more
ReadOasis Step 5 Do you think that having a lucky charm or carrying out a superstitious ritual is irrational? Then it’s time to think again. In 2010, researchers had people carry out a range of tasks with and without the their lucky charms. The results were remarkable. When people... Read more
Happiness in 59 Seconds (Step 3)
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ReadOasis Step 3 (Part 1) Jim sat into a soft, red chair. He looked down, and then he started to weep. "Am I asking too much?" he said. "I just want to be happy and fulfilled." Dr. Jones gave Jim a box of paper tissues. "Thank you," said Jim... Read more
Learn to Be Lucky (Step 2)
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ReadOasis Step 2 Devin woke up late. He skipped breakfast and got in his car and drove off in a hurry. But the traffic was bad. "Another bad day," he said to himself. "Maybe I will have another accident." But he didn't have one more accident. He had two... Read more
Ten Tools for Making More Happiness
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ReadOasis Step 2 Mary looked into the eyes of her new baby. "She's so beautiful," said Mary almost singing. Mary continued her song, "My goodness! I'm so happy! This is the happiest moment in my life!" And yes, it was. In fact, most couples feel the purest kind of... Read more
ReadOasis Step 2 We live in the best of times. We live in the worst of times. We live in an age of wisdom. We live in an age of foolishness. We live in an age of light. We live in an age of darkness. In 1859, Charles Dickens... Read more
ReadOasis Step 2 Lori stopped her car at the red light. She looked down and saw that she needed gasoline. When the light turned green, she drove to the nearest gas station. She pulled up to the pump. She got out of the car, and she started pumping gas.... Read more
ReadOasis Step 2 The sun burned red hot in the sky. George felt the heat on his face, and it hurt. "Another extreme day," he said to himself. "It is just too hot." He looked out from the window of his living room. The sea was blue and beautiful.... Read more
ReadOasis Step 1 (Part 1) Viktor had just married Tilly. She was the love of his life. He was a young doctor in Vienna, Austria. Viktor and Tilly expected a good future together. But Nazi Germany was in control of Austria, and Viktor and Tilly were Jewish. In September... Read more
ReadOasis Step 3 (Part 1) Viktor had just married Tilly. She was the love of his life. He was a young doctor in Vienna, Austria. And Viktor and Tilly should have envisioned a bright future together, but Nazi Germany was occupying Austria, and Viktor and Tilly were Jewish. In... Read more
Experience Flow
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ReadOasis Step 2 (Part 1) Shaun White is a world famous snowboarder. Watch him slide down the pipe in slow motion. He goes up one side and flies into the air at an extreme height. Time stands still. Coming down, he gains speed and lands smoothly. Then he rises... Read more
Happiness in 59 Seconds (Step 1)
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ReadOasis Step 1 (Part 1) Jim sat into a soft, red chair. He looked down, and then he started to cry. “Am I asking too much?” he said. “I just want to be happy.” Dr. Jones gave Jim a box of paper tissues. “Thank you,” said Jim as he... Read more
Max is running late. He hurries out the door of his apartment, holding a cup of coffee. Then he sees his bus. “It’s leaving!” he cries. Max starts to run, but he trips over a rock and falls. His coffee flies out of his hands and spills all over... Read more
Making Work Fun: The Levity Effect
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A manager at a company was interviewing a job candidate. The manager said, “We need a very responsible person for this job. We need someone who can take charge.” The candidate’s eyes lit up, and he responded with great enthusiasm. “Sir, your search ends here! I’m the one. In... Read more
Habit Power (Step 3)
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ReadOasis Step 3 (Part 1) Will walked into the large office area and looked around. He was carrying a cup of coffee, and he spilled some on his hand. “Ouch!” he said. “That’s hot!” He looked around, but all the other workers were busy. They didn't even notice him. He walked... Read more
ReadOasis Step 2 "I told you that you could do it! You worked hard and got into a great university. And now you have landed an excellent job at a big company! Congratulations on your success! You did it!" "Thank you, father," said Kenya, standing tall in his dark... Read more
Making Work Fun: The Levity Effect (Step 2)
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ReadOasis Step 2 (Part 1) A manager at a company was interviewing a job candidate. The manager said, “We need a very responsible person for this job. We need someone who can take charge.” The candidate’s eyes lit up, and he answered with great confidence. “Sir, your search ends... Read more
By Dr. Richard Wiseman ReadOasis Step 2 Creative Commons photo by Benjamin Smith This exercise is all about the power of smiling. Obviously you smile when you’re happy. However, research shows the opposite is also true. Smiling actually makes you feel happier. So each day, put a smile on... Read more
ReadOasis Step 2 (Part 1) Viktor had just married Tilly. She was the love of his life. He was a young doctor in Vienna, Austria. And Viktor and Tilly should have expected a bright future together. But Nazi Germany was in control of Austria, and Viktor and Tilly were... Read more
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