The Science of Well-Being

This module examines common beliefs about what makes people happy and considers why these beliefs are often inaccurate. Learners explore research on money, achievement, possessions, and other commonly desired outcomes, while also being introduced to gratitude and savoring as practices that can support greater well-being.

This module explores the cognitive biases and “annoying features of the mind” that cause people to mispredict what will make them happy. Learners examine the roles of intuition, comparison, adaptation, and affective forecasting in shaping judgments and behavior, and are introduced to kindness and social connection as practical strategies for improving well-being.

This module focuses on practical ways to counter cognitive biases and improve daily well-being. Learners examine the benefits of experiential purchases, explore intentional activities that improve mood, and consider how health-related behaviours such as exercise and sleep contribute to emotional and psychological well-being.

This module examines the behaviors and mindsets most strongly associated with improved well-being. Learners explore evidence on kindness, social connection, time affluence, mindfulness, sleep, and exercise, and consider how achievement-related goals may influence happiness when understood within a broader framework of values and expectations.

This module brings together the key ideas of the course by focusing on the practical implementation of well-being strategies. Learners examine how environments shape behavior, explore effective goal-setting techniques, and complete a final rewirement challenge that supports long-term habit formation and intentional living.