via Coach Dawn Writes:
People are happier when we have choices, right? Actually, we’re not. That’s the premise of Dan Gilbert’s TEDtalk, Why Are We Happy? In a great talk, filled with very cool science (if you’ve got twenty minutes, I’d highly suggest you watch it!), Gilbert extols the virtues of “synthesized happiness.” As I listened to this talk, I felt affirmed. Because I, along with anyone who’s taught or coached before, believe that young people like crave structure. For those of you who think we should present little Johnny with a myriad of options and let him choose, this won’t be for you. But for those of you out there who believe some limitations are good for the soul, check this out.

What is synthesized happiness? Our brains can find ways to turn unhappy events on their heads.

Here’s an example: You’ve got a stud coming in this year. Like, you’re so excited about her and you just know she’s going to rip through your conference…you’re feeling Freshman of the Year! She comes in and blows out her knee in preseason. You feel like you’ve been punched in the gut…everything you planned for the season revolved around this young lady...

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