Dr. Laura Gabayan is a world-renowned physician and researcher. psychology today Contributor and award-winning author of two books: Conventional wisdom: 8 scientific components of a meaningful life (March 2024) and common wisdom journal (December 2024). To help others, the authors used their research expertise to create the Wisdom Research Project. After interviewing 60 “smart” adults across North America, she scientifically defined eight life skills that help increase joy, happiness, and success.
What led you to research the meaning of wisdom?
In 2013, I noticed that I was experiencing random physical symptoms. My body continued to deteriorate and medicine was ready to label and “diagnose” me. At that point I started looking for people who thought outside the box, people who were smart. I started researching wisdom and realized that we don’t really know what it is. All the information we had was anecdotal and subjective. I know how to do a research project, so I applied my research skills and learned wisdom.
What was the process of scientifically identifying the components of wisdom?
We used qualitative analysis to capture stories and turn them into data. After interviewing 60 adults who had been nominated as “smart,” the team assigned them traits or themes. We then broke down those characteristics into eight elements. For example, positive elements included those that talked about gratitude in life and were very funny, so people who had a theme of “gratitude” or “humor” were assigned a positive rating. This way, no characteristics are excluded and everything is taken into account.
What traits do wise people have in common?
In order of prevalence, they include:
1. Resilience
This is the idea of continuing to move forward regardless of obstacles. you don’t give up. You are a warrior, not a victim. Every obstacle teaches a lesson and leads to greater wisdom. things don’t happen to you, but for you.
2. Kindness
Kindness was important because it was not only how the interviewees interacted with the world, but also how they treated themselves.
3. Positivity
Positivity is about perspective. We cannot control our environment, but we can control our thoughts. Positive things attract positive things and can often counter negative things.
4. Spirituality
Spirituality is the belief that a higher power exists. The important thing is that even if it’s not look We feel this higher power. It feels as if some invisible force is watching over us or guiding our lives. This belief brings us comfort and peace.
5. Humility
Humility is a timeless virtue, but in the age of social media, an almost pathological need for self-expression has taken a backseat. Humility allows you to improve your social connections and increase your emotional intelligence. A humble person has his feet on the ground. Making others feel small does not make them feel big.
6. Tolerance
Tolerant people are open-minded and considerate of other points of view. By being tolerant, we respect other opinions and are not judgmental or prejudiced. Tolerant people recognize that we are all important and worthy of respect.
7. Creativity
Creativity is an innate quality that we all have from an early age. It allows imagination to go beyond the possible. It allows you to think beyond ideas. Being creative allows us to question anything teeth, and what do you think Maybe so.
8. Curiosity
This is the last element, but curiosity is the driving force behind all of them. It allows for change, growth, and discovery. Like creativity, being curious is an innate talent that everyone has since childhood.
Were there any findings that surprised you?
I was surprised to find that kindness is so important to the interviewees. I’m Middle Eastern, and kindness is often seen as weakness. I wasn’t raised kindly either, so I never thought about it. The more I think about it, the more kindness I feel teeth strength. Kind people also have confidence.
Can you give an example of how people can master the 8 elements to become smarter?
First, by breaking it down into eight elements, people can determine what qualities they are good at and what they need more effort on. Working on these elements takes time, so you also need patience. My suggestion is to start small and practice. Understand that it takes time to gain wisdom.
How can you improve your workplace by incorporating the eight elements of wisdom?
Whether you’re in a leadership position or not, applying these eight elements will bring you success and joy. Applying them also allows for better social interactions. Building good relationships is the foundation of a successful organization.
How can knowing these elements of wisdom improve a leader’s ability to bring about change in their organization?
Let’s briefly apply each element to successful leadership.
Resilience: This is especially important for leaders, as they are required to be flexible, resourceful, and hardworking. Successful leaders assess the situation and develop logical strategies to solve the problem at hand. Resilient leaders turn obstacles into learning opportunities and foster growth.
Kindness: Kindness is a quality that is valued in any organization. Kind leaders are effective at communicating and motivating employees.
Positive: Being positive not only benefits the leader and the company, it also benefits the employees. Positive leaders create an atmosphere of motivation, openness and high morale within the company. They motivate and inspire employees. The workers feel honored to be there. They are excited to be part of the team.
Spirituality: Though the idea of spirituality and successful leadership may seem contradictory, they are highly interconnected. Leaders who govern with purpose inspire and motivate their employees. They influence their teams to work wholeheartedly and look beyond material rewards.
Humility: of economist I once wrote: “If there’s a secret to leadership, it might be humility. A humble boss understands that there are things he doesn’t know, too. He listens.” With humility, Leaders will be able to understand other points of view.
Tolerance range: To be tolerant means to be unbiased and open-minded. Generous leaders are open to learning from others and seek feedback and ideas from others. 
Creativity: Creative leaders are great problem solvers and can lead their companies along innovative solutions and great paths.
Curiosity: Having leaders who are curious allows a company to move forward and grow. Curiosity leads to different questions, solutions, and diverse perspectives.
What promise does the ability to be wise hold for society as a whole?
Today, more than ever, we need wisdom. The age of the internet and social media has put the pursuit of wisdom on the back burner. Gaining more wisdom will improve humanity and lead to more peace and happiness in the world.
If you would like to learn more please visit: lauragabayan.com
Source: Spiritual Media Blog – www.spiritualmediablog.com
