Learning to Live Happily Along the Journey
Oliver Twist wanted more food because he was starving to death and he wanted to live. What do you want more of and why do you want it? Do you want more money, more friends, more experiences, more customers, more possessions, more Twitter followers, more Facebook likes?
Why do we want MORE? Probably because we think that it will bring us happiness but is this actually true? Will getting more of the things on that list bring you long term happiness? Let’s consider MONEY as an example. Several scientific studies have shown that happiness levels increase with income up to roughly $75,000 in annual household income. After that, there tends to be little correlation between income and happiness. Despite this, every generation seems to want riches more than the last.
We equate money with happiness even though we are surrounded by wealthy public figures experiencing relationship crises, self image difficulties and mental health problems. The papers are full of stories of the rich and famous involved in domestic violence, drug addiction, drunk driving, anxiety, depression, suicide, etc. And yet, many people still assume that money will buy them immunity from their worries.
Money won’t protect you from illness, but it will help you eat and drink too much. It will also help you consume drugs that will numb your pain! Having large amounts of money won’t mean that you’ll like yourself any more than you would if you were poor. In fact, the reverse is often the case.
Money can’t buy you the love and respect of your family, but it can help you impress those people that you don’t really like!
Five Things That Will Make you HAPPY, Rich or Poor!
There have been countless studies on what makes us happy and most of them have found that happiness comes from:
1. Focusing on activity, not goals. Goal obsession can be dangerous for our mental health but taking action that moves us towards the things we want will invariably make us feel good. Knowing where we are going is important but we need to love and be proud of our journey along the way. Stop seeking the fleeting satisfaction that comes from achievement.
2. Finding and nurturing true friends. Having people in your life that really matter to you will make a huge difference in how much you enjoy the daily grind of life.
The feeling of belonging is extremely important to our happiness so find your “tribe” and spend as much time as possible with people you care about.
3. Measuring happiness by what we know to be important. Don’t get caught up in external markers that others try to convince you are the measures of success. You
know deep in your heart that the most important things in life are good relationships, good health and good self-worth.
4. Taking care of our health. Practice health-promoting behaviours and avoid the activities that contribute to illness and disease. Get enough exercise, make healthy food choices, and avoid substances and behaviours that are potentially bad for you.
5. Giving to others. As soon as you take your eyes off yourself and you start helping others improve their situation, you’ll find feelings of happiness will flood through
you. The act of giving will bring much more happiness to your life than receiving.
On the wall of my “man cave” is a sign that helps me stay focused on these five things.
