Can We Learn to Be Happier? What Science Says

Can happiness be learned? Explore what positive psychology reveals about attention and the small habits that may help us thrive Most of us imagine happiness will come after the next achievement, when life becomes less stressful, or when our circumstances finally improve. But what if psychology tells a different story? In this interactive Mind Circles Talk, Julia Coggins explores what positive psychology research can teach us about happiness, wellbeing and what it means to flourish. Why does the mind seem so quick to notice problems, threats and what is going wrong? What actually influences our longer-term wellbeing? And can the way we direct our attention and shape our everyday habits make a meaningful difference? Moving beyond the idea of simply “thinking positively”, Julia will explore the psychology behind happiness and how small, intentional changes in attention and behaviour may influence the way we experience everyday life. Through research, reflection and interactive exercises, you’ll have the opportunity to put these ideas into practice and explore what may support your own wellbeing. You’ll leave with: • A clearer understanding of the psychology of happiness, wellbeing and flourishing. • Insight into why the mind is naturally drawn to problems, threats and what is missing. • Practical ways to direct your attention towards what matters and what is working. • A simple, evidence-informed happiness habit to experiment with over the following week. • Ideas for making positive changes specific, realistic and sustainable in everyday life. About Julia Coggins Julia Coggins has more than 25 years’ experience in HR and employee relations, alongside over a decade designing and leading mental health and wellbeing initiatives. As a Non-Clinical Mental Health & Wellbeing Lead, Julia worked in partnership with the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (SLaM) Recovery College and the Maudsley Charity, supporting the development and delivery of practical approaches to mental wellbeing, resilience and positive behaviour change. She has also designed and delivered successful workplace wellbeing programmes, workshops and initiatives focused on helping people think, work and feel better. Today, Julia is a Positive Mindset and Wellbeing Coach, Barefoot-trained coach and NLP Practitioner, with a particular interest in positive psychology, happiness habits, mindset, resilience and behaviour change. Through her transformational coaching, workplace programmes, talks and retreats, Julia combines her extensive professional experience with insights from positive psychology to help people turn understanding into action. Her approach focuses on small, sustainable changes that build confidence, strengthen resilience and help people lead happier, more fulfilling lives. Website: www.juliacogginscoaching.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliacogginscoach/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-coggins-7457714/ Event Schedule Please arrive by 19:15 to check in and get settled before the talk begins, doors will close at this time so we can start the talk promptly at 19:30. 19:00 – 19:30 Arrival & Warm-Up Activity 19:30 – 20:15 ExpertTalk 20:15 – 20:30 Q&A 20:30 – 20:45 Optional Continue the Conversation In Person OR Livestream/Recording Early Bird: Discounted early-access ticket. Includes in-person entry, livestream access, and recording. Community Ticket: Lower-cost ticket for students, lower-income attendees, carers, or anyone currently facing financial barriers. Includes in-person entry, livestream access, and recording. General Admission: Standard in-person ticket. Includes livestream access and recording. Final Release: Final allocation of in-person tickets. Includes livestream access and recording. Bring a friend (admits 2): Grab a +1 and share the fun! Includes in person tickets, livestream access and recording for both OR Livestream & Recording: ONLY remote access ticket with livestream and recording included.All recordings will be shared privately within 4 weeks of the event. Venue: Please allow a little extra time if travelling during peak hours, major sporting events, or potential travel disruption. At the time of publishing, there are no planned strike actions. However, this may change, so we recommend checking your route before purchasing tickets if you may be affected, as tickets are non-refundable. https://tfl.gov.uk/campaign/strikes Age & IDs: the event takes place in a bar venue, you may be asked to show valid ID. Please bring identification if you look under 25, otherwise you may be refused entry to the establishment. Enquiries & Waitlist: Please do not contact the speaker or founder directly regarding tickets. Use the Eventbrite contact function or join the waitlist.If events sell out, additional dates may be released. Waitlist members should monitor their inbox, including spam or junk folders. Ticket offers remain valid for 6 hours before being released to the next person. On-the-Day Tickets: No tickets will be available at the door.Livestream Access: A livestream option is available. Access details will be shared with ticket holders ahead of the event. Photography & Recording: Photos and recordings may be taken for promotional and archival purposes.If you’d prefer not to be included, please email us in advance or speak to the team on the day. Talk Recording: The talk will be recorded and shared privately with attendees within 4 weeks. The recording is for personal use only.If you haven’t received it within 4 weeks, please check your spam or junk folder before getting in touch. The link will expire after 3 months. Arrival Time: Please arrive by 19:15 and be seated before the talk begins to avoid disruption. Stay in the Circle: You’ll be added to the Mind Circles Talks mailing list after booking. You can opt out at any time. Get Early-Release Tickets: Join our Inner Circle WhatsApp broadcast channel for early-release tickets and Mind Circles Talks updates: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb88bk9IHphC26a10B14