Society today tells us we always need to be busy, busy striving for “the next big thing”. Be it the latest iPhone release, a newer car, a bigger house, more sparkly jewelry, whatever it is we need it to live a happy and satisfied life. At least that is what we often believe, however, it is a trap.
NewDream, an organization helping people transform the way they consume, has published a long list of studies finding having more material possessions does not make us happier, and yet many of us persist in the belief they do.
What does make us happy? Helping others. I ran across a Chinese proverb that sums it up well:
If you want happiness for an hour- take a nap
If you want happiness for a day- go fishing
If you want happiness for a month- get married
If you want happiness for a year- inherit a fortune
If you want happiness for a lifetime- help others
Do not just take my word for it, in The Neuroscience of Giving, Psychology Today explains that helping others increases production of dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin- collectively called The Happiness Trifecta. Not forgetting that helping someone else adds value to them in ways we may never know. Helping does not need to be complex or physical. Even a smile it a great way to add value to another person. It costs you nothing, enhances their day, and releases the Happiness Trifecta in you.
How would you rate your level of happiness?
What are you doing to help others?
Create a plan today to begin adding value to those around you in simple ways.