LinkedIn presents.

I'm Rufus Griskum, and this is the next big idea.

Today, author Eric Barker teaches our curator, Daniel Pink, how to make friends, disarm

marital conflicts, and spot liars.

If you've been listening to this show for a while, then you've probably heard us talk

about the grant study.

Back in 1938, scientists decided to do something that seemed simple on the face of it, but

which turned out to have a profound influence on how we understand human happiness.

These researchers decided they were going to document the physical and emotional health

of 268 Harvard sophomores for the rest of their lives.

Who thrived and who floundered?

Who succumbed to vice and who triumphed over it?

Most importantly, who lived long, happy lives?

Here's what they learned.

The best predictor of happiness in life isn't how much money you make or how famous you

are.

There's nothing to do with your IQ or your genes.

As the studies lead researcher, George Balliot put it, the only thing that really matters

in life are your relationships.

When he heard that, author Eric Barker was filled with despair because his relationships

were not great.

But that despair soon turned into excitement.

...