Are You Ready for the Happiness Challenge?

March 23, 2023 — If you haven’t figured it out already, money and possessions are no guarantee of personal happiness. There are oh so many examples of very wealthy, perfectly miserable individuals. Sure, not having to worry about money is great, but that alone won’t lead to personal fulfillment.

The New York Times came up with a 7 day happiness challenge that makes a lot of sense. But before you even start that – a question. What do you think is the greatest single ingredient in making for a happy person? (Answer at end).

Personal relationships

People weren’t made to be alone. Researchers in the long-running Harvard Study of Adult Development agree; people who have the most meaningful relationships with other folks are the ones who are the happiest. Those relationships are far more powerful than social class, IQ, or wealth.

Call someone you care about

Do you have a friend or relative you think about but never connect with? Set up a short phone call with them, and you are both probably going to feel better.

Small talk is good

Engage with someone you see frequently but never interact with. Ask them something personal – what kind of dog that is, where did they get that T-shirt, or even why always walk this way every day. These kind of interactions can widen into deeper friendships or at least a richer life.

Tell someone why they are so special

You care about someone deeply. So why would you wait for them to die before you get around to giving them a eulogy. Write them a note, or talk to them, about why you appreciate them so much, and why they are so special.

Put plans on your calendar

Getting out and getting social is good for you. So don’t wait for your spouse to make all the plans (often it is the woman in many relationships), set up a date to do something fun with a friend. It is almost guaranteed to improve your outlook and put a smile on your face, as opposed to sitting at home and doing nothing.

Bottom line

The greatest single ingredient in happiness is having meaningful relationships with other people. The deeper those relationships and the more of them you have, the greater your chances of being a happy person.

Comments? What are some of the best parts of your life, the moments that bring you the greatest happiness. Please share your thoughts in the Comments section below.