Shige Oishi on How to Live a Psychologically Rich Life | EP 571
01:01:27 Share

In this episode of Passion Struck, host John R. Miles welcomes one of the world’s leading psychologists, Dr. Shige Oishi, to discuss his latest book, Life in Three Dimensions: How Curiosity, Exploration, and Experience Make a Fuller, Better Life). Dr. Oishi introduces the concept of psychological richness, a third dimension of well-being that goes beyond traditional notions of happiness and meaning.

Through their engaging discussion, they explore the psychological science behind what makes life truly fulfilling, how personal exploration enhances our sense of self, and why embracing novel experiences—even difficult ones—can lead to fewer regrets and a more enriched life. This episode provides practical insights into how we can intentionally cultivate curiosity, challenge our perspectives, and lead a life that is both meaningful and psychologically deep.

Key takeaways:

1. The Three Dimensions of a Good Life

• Dr. Shige Oishi explains the three fundamental aspects of well-being:
• Happiness (pleasure and satisfaction)
• Meaning (purpose and significance)
• Psychological Richness (novel experiences, exploration, and deep personal growth)
• Unlike happiness or meaning, psychological richness thrives on openness, diversity of experience, and intellectual curiosity.

2. How Novelty and Exploration Lead to Fulfillment

• Dr. Oishi shares compelling research on how curiosity and new experiences—including studying abroad, engaging with art, or even navigating personal challenges—enhance psychological richness.
• Experiencing diverse perspectives broadens our understanding of the world.
• Venturing outside comfort zones creates long-term growth and resilience.
• People who seek new experiences tend to feel more fulfilled and have fewer regrets.

3. The Global Village Paradox and Social Media's Impact

• While the modern world is more connected than ever, Dr. Oishi explains why social media fosters echo chambers, giving us the illusion of diversity but often limiting our exposure to truly different viewpoints. He highlights how intentional exposure to diverse cultures, people, and ideas leads to greater psychological richness.

4. Happiness vs. Meaning vs. Psychological Richness

• Happiness focuses on comfort, stability, and positive emotions.
• Meaning emphasizes purpose, coherence, and contribution to others.
• Psychological richness is about learning, discovery, and embracing life’s twists and turns.
• Dr. Oishi suggests that a fulfilling life should contain all three but warns against excessive focus on happiness alone, as it can lead to stagnation.

5. Why Regret Comes from Inaction

• Drawing from Tom Gilovich’s research on regret, Dr. Oishi reveals that:
• People regret not taking action (e.g., failing to pursue dreams or opportunities) more than their mistakes.
• A psychologically rich life minimizes regrets by encouraging new experiences and continuous personal growth.

6. The Role of Negative Emotions in a Rich Life

• Unlike happiness, which avoids pain, psychological richness embraces challenges. Dr. Oishi highlights:
• Learning from hardships enhances perspective and resilience.
• Negative emotions like sadness or discomfort are essential for growth and wisdom.
• New Year's resolutions fail because people avoid discomfort rather than embracing the learning process.

7. How to Cultivate Psychological Richness

• Practical ways to enrich life include: 
• ✔️ Exploring new places – even within your own city.
• ✔️ Trying new hobbies or activities – reading, music, art, or deep conversations.
• ✔️ Embracing discomfort – travel, challenges, and personal reinvention.
• ✔️ Adopting a mindset of curiosity – asking questions, learning new skills.

Dr. Oishi emphasizes that even small changes in daily routines can lead to a psychologically richer life.

Link to the full show notes:  https://passionstruck.com/shige-oishi-to-live-a-psychologically-rich-life/)

Sponsors:

• Rosetta Stone: Unlock 25 languages for life at “ROSETTASTONE.com/passionstruck).”
• Prolon: Reset your health with 15% off at “ProlonLife.com/passionstruck).”
• Mint Mobile: Cut your wireless bill to 15 bucks a month at “MINT MOBILE dot com slash PASSION.)”
• Hims: Start your journey to regrowing hair with Hims. Visit hims.com/PASSIONSTRUCK) for your free online visit.
• Quince: Discover luxury at affordable prices with Quince. Enjoy free shipping and 365-day returns at quince.com/PASSION).

In this episode, you will learn:

Connect with Shige Oishi: Welcome to Oishi Lab! – Sandbox | University of Chicago)

**Next on Passion Struck:**In the next episode of Passion Struck, John sits down with Katherine Morgan Schaffler, a renowned psychotherapist and author of The Perfectionist Guide to Losing Control, a Path to Peace and Power. Katherine challenges the conventional view of perfectionism, suggesting that it can be harnessed as a personal superpower rather than a flaw. Don't miss this enlightening conversation that could transform your relationship with perfectionism.

For more information on advertisers and promo codes, visit Passion Struck Deals).

Join the Passion Struck Community! Sign up for the Live Intentionally newsletter, where I share exclusive content, actionable advice, and insights to help you ignite your purpose and live your most intentional life. Get access to practical exercises, inspiring stories, and tools designed to help you grow.  Learn more and sign up here.)

Speaking Engagements & Workshops Are you looking to inspire your team, organization, or audience to take intentional action in their lives and careers? I’m available for keynote speaking, workshops, and leadership training on topics such as intentional living, resilience, leadership, and personal growth. Let’s work together to create transformational change. Learn more at johnrmiles.com/speaking).

Episode Starter Packs With over 500 episodes, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. We’ve curated Episode Starter Packs based on key themes like leadership, mental health, and personal growth, making it easier for you to dive into the topics you care about. Check them out at passionstruck.com/starterpacks).

Catch More of Passion Struck:

• My solo episode on The Science of Healthy Habits)
• My episode with Jason O’Mara on Finding Strength in the Face of Setbacks)
• Can't miss my episode with Arthur Brooks on the 4 Ways to Build the Life You Want)
• Catch my interview with Dr. Elisa Hallerman on How You Reconnect With Your Soul)
• Listen to my solo episode on 7 Reasons Why Acts of Kindness Are More than Meets the Eye)

If you liked the show, please leave us a review—it only takes a moment and helps us reach more people! Don’t forget to include your Twitter or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally.

How to Connect with John:

Connect with John on Twitter at @John_RMiles and on Instagram at @John_R_Miles. Subscribe to our main YouTube Channel here) and to our YouTube Clips Channel here). For more insights and resources, visit John’s website).

Want to explore where you stand on the path to becoming Passion Struck? Take our 20-question quiz on Passionstruck.com) and find out today!