What is the Formula for Happiness?

We expect happiness to bring changes to our lives. For those of you that want scientific proof of happiness you will be "happy" to know that the answer, apparently, is nothing as simple as true love, lots of money, or an exciting job. Scientists have neatly summarized happiness in the following equation: Happiness = P + (5xE) + (3xH).

Scientists based their equation on the answers to the following questions:

1. Are you outgoing, energetic, flexible and open to change?
2. Do you have a positive outlook, bounce back quickly from setbacks and feel that you are in control of your life?
3. Are your basic life needs met, in relation to personal health, finance, safety, freedom of choice and sense of community?
4. Can you call on the support of people close to you, immerse yourself in what you are doing, meet your expectations and engage in activities that give you a sense of purpose?

Just to explain, P stands for Personal Characteristics, including outlook on life, adaptability and resilience. E stands for Existence and relates to health, financial stability and friendships. And H represents Higher Order needs, and covers self-esteem, expectations, ambitions and sense of humor. This formula for happiness is not as difficult as it seems. In fact, there are other formulas in circulation. (1)

Scientists clearly do not have all the answers. There is as yet no simple and comprehensive formula for happiness. However, the new emphasis on human relationships, flow and meaning does offer an interesting insight into what really makes us happy, and challenges us to think whether it might be possible to live happier lives.

Jean Chatzky is a financial coach with some easy-to-follow personal-finance messages guaranteed to reduce money stress and increase your financial happiness, one step at a time. Read her book "You Don't Have to Be Rich: Comfort, Happiness and Financial Security on Your Own Terms" or visit her online to learn about her eight-step process.

In "The Millionaire Mind," George Stanley says, "If you are creative enough to select the ideal vocation, you can win, win big-time. The really brilliant millionaires are those who selected a vocation that they love." Yes, it does "pay to be happy!" (2)

So which comes first? Does being productive make us happy or does being happy make us productive? Although the link goes both ways, the link is strongest from happiness to productivity. So if you want to be more productive, the very best thing you can do is focus on being happy with what you do.

There are two ways you get to be happy at work. First, get happy where you are working now. If that isn't possible, then next, find a new job where you can be happy. If you are psychologically unemployable,don’t wait - move on now! Grow yourself a business of your own!

The Secret modified the writing of Christian D. Larson. I have posted it where I can review it every morning to keep myself grounded in happiness. I would like to share it with you:

I promise myself

To be so strong that nothing can disturb my peace of mind.

To talk health, happiness, and prosperity to every person I meet.

To make all my friends feel that there is something worthwhile in them.

To look at the sunny side of everything and make my optimism come true.

To think only of the best, to work only for the best

and to expect only the best.

To be just as enthusiastic about the success of

others as I am about my own.

To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the

greater achievements of the future.

To wear a cheerful expression at all times and give a smile

to every living creature I meet.

To give so much time to improving myself that I

have no time to criticize others.

To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear,

and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.

To think well of myself and to proclaim this fact to the world,

not in loud words, but in great deeds.

To live in the faith that the whole world is on my side,

so long as I am true to the best that is in me.

Congratulations. You have reached my final thoughts on how sustaining happiness can change the course of our lives. I have been implementing the things that I have been sharing with you on a daily basis. After I achieved the goals that I had for a job or my own business, I moved on to the next challenge or expanded my skills.

With each move, I have been able to overcome my fears. I have grown tremendously by surrounding myself with wise mentors. It hasn't always been easy to start back near zero but it is getting easier and more satisfying with every success that I gain. I look forward to assisting you in changing the course of your life.

In fact, I want to make sure you fill out the strategy session form on my website http://www.FlexibleFreedom.com. I look forward to connecting with you so that I can personally give you a 20-minute free coaching session on changing the course of your life.

Wishing you happiness every moment of every day.

Amelia

Works Cited:

(1) BBC's Jon Kay "According to scientists a positive outlook is not enough"

(2) FOXBusiness.com's Personal Finance page. Copyright (c) 2006 MarketWatch, Inc.

submitted by Amelia Johnson

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