We all know that money can’t
buy happiness … but many times we act as if we’d be happier with a bit more
money. We are conditioned to want to be rich (when we know the rich aren’t happy
either); we are trained to want the latest gadget or style that television tells
us to want; we want to earn more money because then we’ll have the good life.
But none of that will bring us happiness. No matter how much we earn, no matter
how much we have in the bank, no matter how nice our clothing or cars or toys,
none of it will make us happier. And the sad thing is that it could take us
decades of pursuing wealth and luxury items before we realize this.
So what will bring us happiness? Luckily, it’s three things that don’t cost a
thing. These three things have been proven by research — surveys of hundreds of
thousands of people about what they have, what their lives are like, and how
happy they are.
Here they are, the Three Secrets to Happiness:
Good relationships. We have a human need to be close, to be intimate, with other
human beings. Having good, supportive friendships, a strong marriage or close
and loving relationships with our family members will make us much more likely
to be happy.
Action steps: Take time, today, to spend time with your loved ones, to tell them
what they mean to you, to listen to them, and develop your relationship with
them.
Positive thinking. I’m obviously a big proponent of positive thinking as the
best way to achieve your goals, but it turns out that it can lead to happiness
too. Optimism and self-esteem are some of the best indicators of people who lead
happy lives. Happy people feel empowered, in control of their lives, and have a
positive outlook on life.
Action steps: Make positive thinking a habit. In fact, this should be one of the
first habits you develop. Get into the habit of squashing all negative thoughts
and replacing them with positive ones. Instead of “I can’t” think “I can”. It
may sound corny, but it has worked for me, every time.
Flow. This is a popular concept on the Internet these days — the state we enter
when we are completely focused on the work or task before us. We are so immersed
in our task that we lose track of time. Having work and leisure that gets you in
this state of flow will almost undoubtedly lead to happiness. People find
greatest enjoyment not when they’re passively mindless, but when they’re
absorbed in a mindful challenge.
Action steps: Find work that you’re passionate about. Seriously — this is an
extremely important step. Find hobbies that you’re passionate about. Turn off
the TV — this is the opposite of flow — and get outside and do something that
truly engages you.
You’ve been given the Three Secrets to Happiness. Don’t waste them!
Enjoy Life's Pleasures