“How can I be happier?” The disease of more In our crazy busy digital world and modern society we are often told that more is better. Keeping things simple and reducing clutter in our minds and in our physical world is key to “more” well being. So what are the 3 big lessons from this research: 1: Social connections are good for us. Many learn from life by observing what works and what doesn’t. This taught me the art of active listening and focused attention. The other was spending 10 years with my partner that showed me the art and discipline of being generous and nurture friendships. We can lock ourselves in dark rooms watching screens both big and small and forget about the importance of nourishing relationships with people that matter in our lives. But the skill of nurturing relationships can be learned. You just need to focus on what works for you. When tough times turn up (and they will), the skill of nurturing quality relationships will sustain you and carry you through to the other side.
What are your goals?
Become an entrepreneur. Climb the corporate ladder. Make more money.
It maybe to travel the world as a digital nomad.
But the reason we write these goals down and strive to achieve them comes down to this big question.
“How can I be happier?”
The disease of more
In our crazy busy digital world and modern society we are often told that more is better.
The media bombards us with messages telling us that if we have or buy “this” we will be happy.
We are told that life will be a nirvana if we are, slimmer, fitter and more attractive.
Modern society is often saying. More money, more stuff and….just more.
The problem?
The more you have the more you have to worry about and the more anxious you become.
You become afraid of losing it. That’s why we insure things.
We worry about having our stuff stolen or damaged.
But often less is more.
Keeping things simple and reducing clutter in our minds and in our physical world is key to “more” well being.
And there is also a simple solution to being happier.
What does the science say about the secret to happiness?
In a TED Talk Robert Waldinger revealed the secret to true happiness and also being healthier.
And it is not about more toys and more stuff. And it is not about the external material factors that we often delude ourselves are the solution.
In 1938 at Harvard College they tracked the lives of 724 men. And every year they asked about their work, home lives and their health.
It is the world’s longest study in happiness.
So what were the key lessons?
And it isn’t about wealth, fame or working harder and harder.
So what are the 3 big lessons from this research:
1: Social connections are good for us. Loneliness kills. People who are more socially connected to family, to friends, to community, are happier, they’re physically healthier, and they live longer than people who are less well connected.
2: It is not just the number of friends you have, and it’s not whether or not you’re in a committed relationship, but it’s the “quality of your close relationships” that matters.
3: Good relationships don’t just protect our bodies,they protect our brains. It turns out that being in a securely attached relationship to another person in your 80’s is protective, and they feel they can count on the other person in times of need.
So the big question that arises is this. How can I improve the quality of…
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