Weekly: Remember strength
Old Happy: "It's best to go it alone."
New Happy: "It's best to go it together."
In one famous study, researchers asked people to look at a hill and estimate how steep it was, first by themselves and then with a friend.
When they looked at the hill on their own, they perceived it to be steeper compared to when they looked at it while standing with a friend.
Having someone next to you can make all of the difference.
Other studies have found similar effects on the power of presence: if you’re with a loved one while you receive bad news it’s perceived as less stressful, and physical pain is rated as less intense if you’re holding their hand.
How can you be a better support system as people take on their hills?
Remember this: it's your presence that matters most — simply being with them, witnessing their challenges, and letting them know they’re not alone. You don’t have to tell them how to climb the hill; you just need to be with them as they do.
Tips and Tools
1. Facing it — This week's animation.
2. Are you willing to? — Make mistakes,
3. Feels like this — It’s messy at the start.
4. You’re never done — It’s a constant evolution.
5. How you meet it — Try kindness.
More from TNH
Book — Order New Happy today to find true happiness.
Podcast — Get a daily morning pep talk — in five minutes or less
Speaking — Book us to speak to your team about well-being, resilience, and productivity.
Articles — Read more articles on our website.
Community
What are you worrying about?
“Being more vulnerable in therapy.”
“I don’t want to realize that I will never be listened to by the people I wanted the most to understand me.”
“Going into work tomorrow.”
“Being alone when I get old.”
“The feeling that I’ve missed out on so much just to achieve and now I’m permanently behind.”
“Not having a job.”
“If I can get everything done.”
Before You Go
The Definitive Guide to Happiness
A groundbreaking new approach based on a decade’s worth of research and brought to life with beautiful artwork, New Happy shows you the proven path to happiness.
No spam, just joy.
