BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM
Ever feel like you’re stuck in an endless loop of the same dull routines? Mondays blur into Fridays, and before you know it, another year has passed. But what if you could transform those mundane moments into opportunities for a richer, more engaging life? According to philosopher Lorraine Besser and psychologist Shigehiro Oishi, you can—by focusing on “psychological richness.”
Psychological richness, as defined by Besser and Oishi’s research, is about cognitive engagement. It’s the kind of mental stimulation that comes from encountering new perspectives, challenges, and emotions. Unlike happiness or meaning, psychological richness offers a unique dimension to the good life.
“Our studies show that many people value experiences that stimulate their minds and generate a range of emotions,” Besser explains. Their research even found that many individuals would prioritize a psychologically rich life over a happy or meaningful one.
Here are three strategies Besser recommends to help you cultivate psychological richness and make life more interesting.
1. Mindfulness 2.0: we pay attention and we don’t judge
Traditional mindfulness teaches us to be present, but Besser’s concept of “mindfulness 2.0” takes it a step further. It emphasizes nonevaluative awareness—actively noticing details without attaching labels or judgments.
Consider your morning commute. Rather than tuning out with a podcast, engage with your surroundings. Observe the rhythm of traffic lights, the people waiting at the bus stop, or the architecture of nearby buildings.
“By bringing these details into your awareness, you stimulate your mind,” Besser says. This act of noticing transforms ordinary moments into opportunities for discovery.
Start small: Notice the texture of a houseplant’s leaves or the sounds of birds outside your window. These simple acts can shift your perspective and enrich your day.
2. Curiosity: ask questions to spark wonder
Once you’ve honed your ability to notice, curiosity takes the experience further. Besser explains that asking questions pushes your mind to explore beyond the surface.
Say you notice a group of people at a bus stop. Who are they? Do they ride together every day? What are their routines, and why do they gather in the same way?
“Curiosity creates new thoughts,” Besser says. “It’s about letting your mind consider something it hadn’t before.” By asking questions, you engage your mind in ways that make even mundane tasks more dynamic.
This practice doesn’t require grand explorations—simple questions about your surroundings or daily routines are enough to spark interest and expand your perspective.
3. Creativity: try something new
Creativity isn’t reserved just for artists or innovators. It’s about making small, novel changes that bring a fresh perspective to your day.
“When you are creative, in big or small ways, you generate novelty within your life,” Besser explains. Whether it’s trying a new recipe, rearranging your desk, or experimenting with fashion, creativity stimulates cognitive engagement.
Even minor acts—like using a colorful pen or changing your screensaver—can break the monotony of routine. These small tweaks add novelty, which fuels psychological richness and makes your day-to-day more engaging.
Why it matters
Besser’s work with Oishi reveals that psychological richness is deeply personal. Each person’s experience of what’s “interesting” depends on their unique way of engaging with the world.
“Through mindfulness 2.0, curiosity, and creativity, you train your mind to see possibilities,” Besser explains. “This is a capacity anyone can develop to enhance their life.”
By shifting your mindset, you can transform even the most routine moments into opportunities for growth and fulfillment. So next time you’re stuck in traffic or washing dishes, remember: The good life isn’t about escaping the grind—it’s about reimagining it.
