The Secret To Happiness
Thank you so much for reading my newsletter. Let’s begin with something funny.
A lady noticed a happy, elderly man sitting on his porch.
“Excuse me,” she said. “I couldn’t help noticing how happy you look. Tell me, what is your secret to a long happy life?”
“Well,” the man responded, “I eat fatty foods and never exercise. I smoke three packs of cigarettes a day and drink about a case of whiskey a week.”
“Wow!” the woman said. “And how old are you?” “Twenty eight!” he responded.
I want to talk to you today about happiness. Let’s face it, it feels great to be happy. We all search for it, wish it upon others and pay big bucks to experience it — even briefly. Thousands of books have been published on the subject and innumerable products promise happiness in one form or another. So, with all the “happy stuff” on the market, how should we approach happiness? Is it a state of mind or a means to an end? In other words, what should come first — happiness, or an event we think will trigger that emotion? After researching the topic, I’m going to share four ways to make you happier, taking some tips from the Swedes, one of the world’s happiest people.
1.Don’t think too much about it
Some of us live our lives waiting for a major event to make us happy. “I’ll be happy once I win the Powerball, lose the weight or find my dream date on Bumble.” We unconsciously live thinking that we deserve happiness only if something big happens to us. This should not be the case. Do the things you love regardless of whether it will make you a millionaire. In Sweden, people don’t define themselves through their work but through their hobbies and personal passions. Have you been thinking for some time about giving stand up comedy a try? Go ahead. It will make you happy even if you bomb (I know this first hand). Chose activities you enjoy and live your life instead of just surviving.
2.Don’t compare yourself with others
It’s so easy to get wrapped up in other people’s lives. Yes, other people will have bigger houses, better jobs, tighter butts and slimmer waists. Think about your “happy things.” It could be as simple as Tuesday dinners with friends or your daily workouts. It doesn’t have to come with “Lamborghini” stamped on the hood for you to finally say, “I’ve made it — now I can be happy.” Rather, it’s the simple things in life. Whether you are worth $200 or $200 million, you have the same choices.
3.Don’t try to achieve perfection
Always do the best you can and, if you fall short, do not beat yourself up. It’s not about achieving constant perfection, but rather showing up, giving your all and cheering yourself for having tried. Imaging how much more fulfilling your life would be with this new attitude.
4.Surround yourself with happy people
There’s a French saying that goes like this: ”Qui s’assemble, se ressemble, which translates to “birds of a feather flock together.” (I still think it sounds better in French!). The same way you can catch a cold if you spend time with someone who’s sick, spending time with positive and fun people will have a similar effect on you. Happiness is contagious — spending time with people who are genuinely happy will help you become happy too.
So, what have we learned?
That happiness comes first. Your bank account, dress size or dating status should not be contributors. Sure, it helps to be comfortable financially and healthy but I truly believe that being happy first will help you make the right financial decisions, will help you attract the right kind of people and will make you want to be healthier and fit instead of having to be.
Be true to yourself and do the things that the future you will be happy you did. On that note, I wish all of you a happy day.
A bientôt,
Laurent