Why the Pursuit of Success Is Making Us All Miserable (and How to Flip the Script) | with Jackson Kerchis

The Zack Arnold Podcast

What if happiness wasn’t the reward for success but instead the foundation for it?

Jackson Kerchis is here to share the science and psychology of happiness—not as an abstract, feel-good concept, but as a practical tool for navigating uncertainty, overcoming career challenges, and unlocking creativity. From the neuroscience behind gratitude and mindfulness to why we’re so bad at predicting what will make us happy, Jackson offers real, actionable strategies to reshape our thinking—and our lives.

Key Takeaways

• Master the 3 Ingredients of Happiness: Strengthen your physical health, improve your mental clarity, focus on building quality relationships
• Build Momentum Through Micro Habits: Start before you're ready and focus on tiny, repeatable actions.
• Redefine Productivity on Your Own Terms: Productivity isn’t about grinding—it’s about aligning your time and energy with what really matters to you.

Episode Highlights

• How to Define Happiness
• Jackson’s Thoughts on Productivity, Being a Neurotic Overacheiver and a Zen Monk
• Achieved Happiness vs. Cultivated Happiness
• Set Point of Happiness and Practices that Change the Brain
• The Ingredients of Happiness in a Checklist
• Rethinking Productivity through Habits & Systems
• Building Self-Efficacy
• Overcoming the Self-Defeating Cycle
• Scientific Research and Benefits of Gratitude Practice
• Happiness and Performance in High-Stress Environments
• Slowing Down in a Fast-Paced World
• Resources for Learning More about Happiness

Recommended Next Episode

Dr Tal Ben Shahar: To learn even more about the psychology of happiness

James Clear: To dive even deeper into the habit formation rabbit hole

Ethan Kross: If you’re struggling with all the negative voices and chatter in your head

Useful Resources

Gratitude Letter | Greater Good Science Center

The Science of Happier Work Course

Happiness Means Business

Warrior Leader Training

Beyond Profit & Productivity – Amazon

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Guest Bio

Jackson Kerchis is a former strategy and operations leader, startup executive, and Zen monk. He’s the co-founder of Happiness Means Business and Warrior Leader Training, where he helps business and military leaders solve people problems through the lens of psychology and well-being. Jackson created the world’s first college major in Happiness at the University of Alabama and is the author of Beyond Profit & Productivity, an Amazon bestseller on workplace culture. He brings a grounded, research-backed approach to helping individuals and teams thrive—without the hustle-and-grind mentality.

Jackson’s Website | Linkedin | Instagram | Youtube

Show Credits

Edited by: Curtis Fritsch

Produced by: Debby Germino

Shownotes and published by: Vim Pangantihon

Music by: Thomas Cepeda

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