Jaclyn Margolis Explores Why Thinking Like a Bronze Medalist Can Boost Happiness in Psychology Today

In a thought-provoking article for Psychology Today, Pepperdine Graziadio faculty member Jaclyn Margolis sheds light on an intriguing phenomenon: bronze medalists often experience more happiness than their silver counterparts.

Margolis explains that while gold medalists are understandably elated, bronze medalists tend to be happier than silver medalists because of their perspective. Silver medalists focus on their proximity to gold, feeling the sting of near-miss disappointment. In contrast, bronze medalists are often grateful for making it onto the podium, reflecting on how close they came to missing out entirely.

This concept is backed by research examining the facial expressions of Olympic medalists, which consistently showed greater happiness in bronze medalists compared to silver medalists. Margolis uses this study to highlight a critical lesson: the way we define success and frame our achievements greatly influences our happiness.

Margolis notes that success can be defined in three main ways: personal growth, avoiding failure, or outperforming others. The mindset akin to that of a silver medalist, which focuses on outperforming others, can often lead to dissatisfaction when others succeed. On the other hand, a bronze medalist’s mindset, which centers on personal growth or avoiding failure, tends to foster inspiration and motivation from others' successes.

The article highlights how a shift in perspective can lead to a more satisfying and joyful life, a valuable takeaway for anyone striving to find contentment in their achievements.

Read the full article here.