Even Arthur Brooks, a self-proclaimed defender of happiness and professor at Harvard University, thinks we need to be taking more risks. His new book out today, August 12, emphasizes this incredibly important point. It’s no surprise then that Brooks teaches courses on cultivating happiness. In it, he explores how you can make more strategic risks for a more satisfying and empowered career. He’s convinced that cultivating a culture where people are encouraged to take bold leaps of faith will increase happiness. What’s more, it can result in big payoffs.
Brooks says that what keeps a lot of people from taking risks is “a fear of future regret. This fear paralyzes decisions and prevents action at all levels, from individual to institutional. And he calls on us all to consider the implications of the decisions we make. Allowing new hires time before jumping into big leaps builds their confidence and increases happiness all around.
“It sounds simple,” Brooks explains, “but treating life like a startup can help individuals take the necessary leaps.” In his blog, he underscores that rigorous research and some serious soul-searching must be the first steps in this journey. In doing so, they can more accurately predict their future earnings and opportunities and take control of their futures.
Brooks illustrates the art of risk-taking with practical examples like how to get past the discomfort of small talk. As small as this action may seem, it can act as a springboard to addressing larger issues. The heart of risk-taking is getting outside your comfort zone and leaning into the uncertainty.
In his book, The Road to Character, Brooks extols the virtues of risk-taking. He promises that it will help you take more control of your career and create a more meaningful life. He points out that when risk-takers are successful, they tend to reap financial rewards.
Brooks warns that if you wish to increase your happiness through a riskier endeavor, you should approach this in an informed manner. Instead of acting on instinct, be intentional about how you engage. He can’t stress enough the need to make intentional plans and be intentional in your approach.
“Making a plan allows you to savor the person you want to become — a person who does a hard thing of her own volition, precisely because it is hard,” he continues. This point of view shows how the process of seeking out risks can be just as impactful as the results that it leads to.
In addition to the cognitive, Brooks gets deeply and importantly into the psychological reality of how we make decisions. “We are able to imagine ourselves in a future state, feeling chagrin for a decision we’re making right now — which in turn affects that decision,” he points out. As this piece illustrates, there’s no substitute for getting up close and personal with your phobia. It inspires you to prioritize decisions that reflect your dreams.
Though Brooks does recognize that certain risks will have heavier impacts, he implores his readers to measure their choices prudently. “In some cases, the odds of failure are so high and the consequences so dire that the act is reckless,” he cautions. “If it sounds simultaneously possible and terrifying, you’ll know you’ve found the right thing.”
In addition to his book, Brooks offers a course on happiness, currently available at an introductory discount of 30% off the regular price of $67. Save the date — we’ll see you online! ○ Date of the Promotion—July 22, 2025 – September 2, 2025. Here’s your opportunity to explore these ideas further!