Latest news with #SolveforHappy
Economic Times
4 days ago
- Health
- Economic Times
Cheer your brain in 90 seconds: Ex-Google executive shares Harvard expert's hack to beat stress and find happiness
iStock Mo Gawdat's 90-second rule offers a powerful hack to manage negative emotions. Based on scientific insight, it suggests that feelings like anger last only 90 seconds—unless we keep replaying them. (Representational image: iStock) Mo Gawdat, who once served as the chief business officer at Google X — Google's moonshot innovation lab — has spent over two decades analyzing happiness through a mix of logic, philosophy, neuroscience, and lived experience. One of his most powerful discoveries, he recently said on the High Performance podcast, is what he calls the '90-second rule' — a simple mental habit that could dramatically shift how we process negative emotions. In 2014, Gawdat's world came crashing down when his 21-year-old son, Ali, passed away due to medical negligence during a routine appendix surgery. The devastating blow would be enough to leave anyone broken, but Gawdat chose to channel his grief differently. Seventeen days after the tragedy, he began writing Solve for Happy, a book that would go on to become a global bestseller on the science of happiness. It was his way of honoring Ali, and a promise to share what he had learned about living meaningfully despite suffering. The rule is rooted in neuroscience. Gawdat credits Harvard-trained brain scientist Jill Bolte Taylor, who found that when we feel stress or anger, the chemical storm — involving hormones like cortisol and adrenaline — usually flushes out of the body in about 90 seconds. After that, we're essentially replaying the emotional loop in our heads.'But then what happens is, you run the thought in your head again, and you renew your 90 seconds,' Gawdat explained. 'While in reality, what you get after those 90 seconds is a buffer ... [which] allows you to say, 'Now, what am I going to do?''In other words, we extend suffering by reliving painful thoughts over and over. Gawdat encourages using that 90-second biological window to fully feel the emotion — and then decide to move on. Picture this: you're cut off in traffic. Your blood boils, you mutter some choice words, maybe slam the horn. Most people let that irritation simmer for hours — retelling the story, replaying the moment. But what if, as Gawdat suggests, you simply took a deep breath, blasted your favorite song, and focused on something else instead?The 90-second rule doesn't mean suppressing emotion — it's about honoring your reaction, but refusing to be trapped by reinforce the habit, Gawdat relies on three powerful questions that serve as a mental audit during moments of distress: Is it true? Can I do something about it? Can I accept it and move forward despite it? 'Ninety percent of the things that make us unhappy are not even true,' he told High Performance. He gives a relatable example — a partner says something hurtful, and suddenly your mind spirals into believing they no longer love you. But often, it's just an emotional misfire. If the answer to the first question is no, he says, let it go. If it's yes, move to the next. And if there's nothing you can do, accept it — not passively, but with 'committed acceptance,' a term he uses to describe intentional action despite circumstances. Of course, forming a habit like this doesn't happen overnight. A 2009 study by researcher Phillippa Lally found that it can take anywhere from 18 to 254 days to develop a new behavior, depending on the person. But Gawdat believes that even being aware of how we respond to difficulty is a crucial first step.'Life doesn't give a s--- about you,' he said bluntly in another interview on Simon Sinek's A Bit of Optimism podcast. 'It's your choice how you react to every one of [life's challenges]… It's your choice to set your expectations realistically.'For Gawdat, life is not about avoiding pain — it's about learning to live with it, think through it, and choose joy anyway. Mo Gawdat is not just a tech executive and author, he's one of today's leading voices on emotional intelligence in the age of AI and hyper-productivity. After stepping down from Google X in 2018, he authored multiple books including Solve for Happy, Scary Smart, That Little Voice in Your Head, and Unstressable. Across all his work, a central message remains: You may not control what happens to you, but you can absolutely control what happens the next time you're hit by life's curveballs, remember the rule. You've got 90 seconds to feel it. After that, it's your move.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Cheer your brain in 90 seconds: Ex-Google executive shares Harvard expert's hack to beat stress and find happiness
Mo Gawdat , who once served as the chief business officer at Google X — Google's moonshot innovation lab — has spent over two decades analyzing happiness through a mix of logic, philosophy, neuroscience, and lived experience. One of his most powerful discoveries, he recently said on the High Performance podcast, is what he calls the '90-second rule' — a simple mental habit that could dramatically shift how we process negative emotions. In 2014, Gawdat's world came crashing down when his 21-year-old son, Ali, passed away due to medical negligence during a routine appendix surgery. The devastating blow would be enough to leave anyone broken, but Gawdat chose to channel his grief differently. Seventeen days after the tragedy, he began writing Solve for Happy , a book that would go on to become a global bestseller on the science of happiness . It was his way of honoring Ali, and a promise to share what he had learned about living meaningfully despite suffering. The 90-Second Rule The rule is rooted in neuroscience. Gawdat credits Harvard-trained brain scientist Jill Bolte Taylor, who found that when we feel stress or anger, the chemical storm — involving hormones like cortisol and adrenaline — usually flushes out of the body in about 90 seconds. After that, we're essentially replaying the emotional loop in our heads. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Mercado Libre CFD: gana hasta 2.700$ a la semana trabajando desde casa TradeLG 'But then what happens is, you run the thought in your head again, and you renew your 90 seconds,' Gawdat explained. 'While in reality, what you get after those 90 seconds is a buffer ... [which] allows you to say, 'Now, what am I going to do?'' In other words, we extend suffering by reliving painful thoughts over and over. Gawdat encourages using that 90-second biological window to fully feel the emotion — and then decide to move on. You Might Also Like: Billionaire Mark Cuban predicts 'who will be the world's first trillionaire?' And it is not Elon Musk Everyday Example, Everyday Escape Picture this: you're cut off in traffic. Your blood boils, you mutter some choice words, maybe slam the horn. Most people let that irritation simmer for hours — retelling the story, replaying the moment. But what if, as Gawdat suggests, you simply took a deep breath, blasted your favorite song, and focused on something else instead? The 90-second rule doesn't mean suppressing emotion — it's about honoring your reaction, but refusing to be trapped by it. Three Questions That Can Break the Loop To reinforce the habit, Gawdat relies on three powerful questions that serve as a mental audit during moments of distress: Is it true? Can I do something about it? Can I accept it and move forward despite it? 'Ninety percent of the things that make us unhappy are not even true,' he told High Performance. He gives a relatable example — a partner says something hurtful, and suddenly your mind spirals into believing they no longer love you. But often, it's just an emotional misfire. If the answer to the first question is no, he says, let it go. If it's yes, move to the next. And if there's nothing you can do, accept it — not passively, but with 'committed acceptance,' a term he uses to describe intentional action despite circumstances. You Might Also Like: Harvard doctor's simple tip can boost your happiness in one minute. A startup CEO is already practicing it Building a Habit for Happiness Of course, forming a habit like this doesn't happen overnight. A 2009 study by researcher Phillippa Lally found that it can take anywhere from 18 to 254 days to develop a new behavior, depending on the person. But Gawdat believes that even being aware of how we respond to difficulty is a crucial first step. 'Life doesn't give a s--- about you,' he said bluntly in another interview on Simon Sinek's A Bit of Optimism podcast. 'It's your choice how you react to every one of [life's challenges]… It's your choice to set your expectations realistically.' For Gawdat, life is not about avoiding pain — it's about learning to live with it, think through it, and choose joy anyway. — alvinfoo (@alvinfoo) Who Is Mo Gawdat? Mo Gawdat is not just a tech executive and author, he's one of today's leading voices on emotional intelligence in the age of AI and hyper-productivity. After stepping down from Google X in 2018, he authored multiple books including Solve for Happy, Scary Smart, That Little Voice in Your Head, and Unstressable. Across all his work, a central message remains: You may not control what happens to you, but you can absolutely control what happens next. So the next time you're hit by life's curveballs, remember the rule. You've got 90 seconds to feel it. After that, it's your move.
Mid East Info
24-04-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
Mo Gawdat to deliver keynote as Dubai Real Estate Summit turns industry spotlight on AI, Innovation - Middle East Business News and Information
Firas Al Msaddi says having global tech visionary on stage reflects city's commitment to stay ahead of the curve Dubai, UAE: April 24, 2025: Mo Gawdat, former Chief Business Officer at Google [X], renowned author and internationally recognised voice on AI and responsible innovation, will deliver the keynote at a major real estate summit in Dubai next month. Taking place at Coca-Cola Arena on May 16, Game Changers 2.0 will bring together industry professionals, developers, and tech leaders to explore how artificial intelligence, big data, and digital innovation are rapidly reshaping the industry. The event arrives as Dubai's property market continues to expand, with last year's record AED 528 billion in transactions followed by AED 142.7 billion in Q1 2025, the second-highest quarterly figure on record. As the city navigates this unprecedented growth, Game Changers 2.0 will spotlight how digital tools and AI-driven strategies can provide market clarity, reduce inefficiencies, and elevate service standards across the industry. Mo Gawdat's bestselling works, including 'Solve for Happy' and 'Scary Smart', have explored how technology can augment human decision-making. At the summit he will deliver a keynote on how AI is changing consumer behaviour, investment decision-making, and urban development – topics that are increasingly relevant for policymakers and property stakeholders alike. His appearance signals a growing convergence between tech and real estate, as Dubai seeks to future-proof its property sector. Gawdat's perspective is expected to touch on both the opportunities and risks of AI adoption, including its ethical use in consumer-facing services and its potential to accelerate smart city ambitions. Building on the success of the inaugural Game Changers event last October, the summit is organised by Firas Al Msaddi, CEO of fäm Properties and a leading figure in Dubai real estate, having built one of city's largest tech-driven brokerages, which currently manages a property investment portfolio of over AED15 billion. 'Having a global tech visionary like Mo Gawdat on stage reflects our commitment to stay ahead of the curve,' said Al Msaddi. 'Real estate doesn't exist in a vacuum. It's influenced by the same AI revolution sweeping other sectors. 'By learning directly from those at the forefront of this revolution, we can ensure that Dubai remains not just in step with world trends, but a few steps ahead. 'This event is about elevating the entire real estate ecosystem by embracing innovation,' added Al Msaddi. 'In an environment as dynamic as Dubai's, success hinges on how quickly we adapt to new technology and insights. By sharing data-driven strategies and AI-powered tools, we're ensuring brokers and investors can not only keep up with the market, but actually set the pace for its future direction.' Also joining Gawdat and Al Msaddi on stage at the Middle East's largest indoor arena will be Dr. Mahmood AlBurai, Dubai Land Department's Senior Director Real Estate policies and innovation. Dr AlBurai will open the summit with a focus on innovation, policy leadership, and the evolving city's real estate landscape. The event will offer panel discussions, interactive sessions, and real-world case studies on topics ranging from harnessing big data for market predictions to training brokers in emerging AI tools – all aimed at keeping Dubai's real estate professionals ahead of the curve. One of the core objectives of Game Changers 2.0 is to give real estate brokers the clarity they've been searching for when it comes to AI – not just what it is, but what it means for them. The event stands out for its highly engaging, interactive format where the speakers connect directly with the audience to answer the real questions: What's in it for me? What should I be doing today? How do I stay ahead? Said Al Msaddi: 'Unlike traditional events, this isn't a lecture, it's a live, spontaneous dialogue designed to deliver actionable answers brokers can apply in their daily operations immediately.' Summit sessions will explore how brokers and developers can embed emerging technologies into daily operations – from predictive analytics and automated valuations to AI-led client targeting and lead generation. Providing a roadmap for professionals navigating a fast-changing market, Game Changers 2.0 also reflects a broader regional narrative around digital transformation. As the Gulf economies diversify, real estate – one of the region's most dynamic sectors – is under pressure to adapt. About Coca-Cola Arena Opened in June 2019, Coca-Cola Arena has revolutionized the live entertainment industry in the UAE and throughout the Middle East. With a 17,000-seat capacity and unique automated seating design, the arena is equipped to host a diverse range of events all year round, establishing Dubai as a major destination on the global events circuit. The award-winning arena is the premier venue for sporting tournaments, international concerts, comedy shows, live theatre, corporate gatherings, exhibitions and conferences, gala dinners and the official home of Dubai Basketball, the city's first professional sports franchise team competing in European league competitions. Located in the heart of City Walk, Coca-Cola Arena is just 15 minutes from Dubai International Airport and a 5-minute walk from the nearest Metro station. The Dubai landmark is an asset of the Dubai Holding Entertainment portfolio and is managed by ASM Global, the world's leading venue management company. Ends
Zawya
24-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Mo Gawdat to deliver keynote as Dubai real estate summit turns industry spotlight on AI, Innovation
Dubai, UAE: Mo Gawdat, former Chief Business Officer at Google [X], renowned author and internationally recognised voice on AI and responsible innovation, will deliver the keynote at a major real estate summit in Dubai next month. Taking place at Coca-Cola Arena on May 16, Game Changers 2.0 will bring together industry professionals, developers, and tech leaders to explore how artificial intelligence, big data, and digital innovation are rapidly reshaping the industry. The event arrives as Dubai's property market continues to expand, with last year's record AED 528 billion in transactions followed by AED 142.7 billion in Q1 2025, the second-highest quarterly figure on record. As the city navigates this unprecedented growth, Game Changers 2.0 will spotlight how digital tools and AI-driven strategies can provide market clarity, reduce inefficiencies, and elevate service standards across the industry. Mo Gawdat's bestselling works, including 'Solve for Happy' and 'Scary Smart', have explored how technology can augment human decision-making. At the summit he will deliver a keynote on how AI is changing consumer behaviour, investment decision-making, and urban development - topics that are increasingly relevant for policymakers and property stakeholders alike. His appearance signals a growing convergence between tech and real estate, as Dubai seeks to future-proof its property sector. Gawdat's perspective is expected to touch on both the opportunities and risks of AI adoption, including its ethical use in consumer-facing services and its potential to accelerate smart city ambitions. Building on the success of the inaugural Game Changers event last October, the summit is organised by Firas Al Msaddi, CEO of fäm Properties and a leading figure in Dubai real estate, having built one of city's largest tech-driven brokerages, which currently manages a property investment portfolio of over AED15 billion. 'Having a global tech visionary like Mo Gawdat on stage reflects our commitment to stay ahead of the curve,' said Al Msaddi. 'Real estate doesn't exist in a vacuum. It's influenced by the same AI revolution sweeping other sectors. 'By learning directly from those at the forefront of this revolution, we can ensure that Dubai remains not just in step with world trends, but a few steps ahead. 'This event is about elevating the entire real estate ecosystem by embracing innovation,' added Al Msaddi. 'In an environment as dynamic as Dubai's, success hinges on how quickly we adapt to new technology and insights. By sharing data-driven strategies and AI-powered tools, we're ensuring brokers and investors can not only keep up with the market, but actually set the pace for its future direction.' Also joining Gawdat and Al Msaddi on stage at the Middle East's largest indoor arena will be Dr. Mahmood AlBurai, Dubai Land Department's Senior Director Real Estate policies and innovation. Dr AlBurai will open the summit with a focus on innovation, policy leadership, and the evolving city's real estate landscape. The event will offer panel discussions, interactive sessions, and real-world case studies on topics ranging from harnessing big data for market predictions to training brokers in emerging AI tools – all aimed at keeping Dubai's real estate professionals ahead of the curve. One of the core objectives of Game Changers 2.0 is to give real estate brokers the clarity they've been searching for when it comes to AI - not just what it is, but what it means for them. The event stands out for its highly engaging, interactive format where the speakers connect directly with the audience to answer the real questions: What's in it for me? What should I be doing today? How do I stay ahead? Said Al Msaddi: 'Unlike traditional events, this isn't a lecture, it's a live, spontaneous dialogue designed to deliver actionable answers brokers can apply in their daily operations immediately.' Summit sessions will explore how brokers and developers can embed emerging technologies into daily operations - from predictive analytics and automated valuations to AI-led client targeting and lead generation. Providing a roadmap for professionals navigating a fast-changing market, Game Changers 2.0 also reflects a broader regional narrative around digital transformation. As the Gulf economies diversify, real estate - one of the region's most dynamic sectors - is under pressure to adapt.
