Happiness is like learning to play an instrument, you need to learn how to be happy (don’t expect it to magically happen). I watched this great documentary last night called, “Happy”. They take the viewer around the world in search of what really makes humans happy. The stories throughout the film are touching and the findings in their research are inspiring.
You can be happy if that’s what you truly want but like anything else in our lives, you have to work for it. Human beings have extrinsic & intrinsic goals throughout their lifetime. Extrinsic goals are ones that are based on self image, wealth and status (popularity) while intrinsic goals are about self growth, building relationships and helpfulness (being involved in your community). They have found that those who have more intrinsic goals are happier because they satisfy basic psychological needs.
With this information, what can you do to be happier? Well, you can create more intrinsic goals! For instance, learn to play an instrument, a new language, to rock climb, a new sport, learn a martial art, learn to paint, whatever it is that you have desired to learn in your lifetime that will help your personal growth – You can begin learning it NOW!
Don’t be afraid of building new relationships or trying to restore old ones. Stop putting it off and reach out to your family & friends. We are social animals and this is a basic psychological need, be there for someone in your life today.
If you do not have anyone close, try volunteering at a local organization. This is a double whammy when it comes to intrinsic goals because you will be doing something good for your community while getting the social interaction that you need. http://www.volunteermatch.org/
Someone I love dearly once said to me, “I could buy myself a present but it wouldn’t be as satisfying as if I bought you a present. See, I am making you happy and in turn, that makes me happier.” We are doing ourselves a favor by reaching out to others and giving a helping hand. It is in everyone’s best interest if we take time to put a smile on someone’s face because it will end up making us happier in the end.
That is not to say that you shouldn’t have extrinsic goals. In my humble opinion, we should all strive to live a balanced life but it’s become abundantly clear that more people in our society are focusing their attention on money, fame and their self image. Making fame & fortune as your sole focus is not healthy for your soul. Your inner self needs more than that and you have the power to give it what it needs. Don’t procrastinate, my friends, take care of yourself and do what you need to make yourself happy!
