The secret to happiness is simplicity.
Happiness is within yourself.
Don’t expect sustainable happiness from external sources. The only thing you can be responsible for is yourself. For example, it’s not the responsibility of company to make you happy. You must find happiness in your company.
Find what works for you.
It’s about fit. Money, exercise and meditation doesn’t affect overall happiness for everyone. A study by Morgan Housel suggests it may not actually affect most regular people, outside depression and illness. It’s still worth try, but there is no silver bullet.
Giving multiplies happiness in society.
Money impacts those with money less than those without. So when somebody with money has given their excess to the needy, they distribute more happiness than they lose by having that marginal wealth.
However, publicizing it reduces happiness.
Slow down.
The Japanese concept of ‘Yutori’ is about unhurried spaciousness. Taking a moment to observe and deeply connect with your surroundings, leads to a greater appreciation and satisfacation.
Want less.
Satisfaction = Things that you have / Things that you want. You can either increase what you have, or decrease what you want. Arthur C Brooks, Harvard Professor on Happiness, on “Satisfaction Dilemma”)