10 Things Science Says Will Make You Happy

I keep running across references to happiness, and especially the effectiveness of happiness. When faced with coincidences that draw attention to themselves my reaction is to pay attention. Last week I got in a conversation with Paul Saginaw about what we mean by Fun in our vision. He surprised me by saying that Fun was the wrong word. A better word is Joy. To me Joy is the effect and Fun is a cause and that’s when we started talking about studies of Happiness. My friend from South Carolina sent me an article that addresses sustainability and happiness. And then, opening a free copy of Yes! Magazine that I received at the BALLE Conference I read the following article, 10 Things Science Says Will Make You Happy by by Jen Angel.

1. Savor Everyday Moments
2. Avoid Comparisons
3. Put Money Low on the List
4. Have Meaningful Goals
5. Take Initiative at Work
6. Make Friends, Treasure Family
7. Smile Even When You Don’t Feel Like It
8. Say Thank You Like You Mean It
9. Get Out and Exercise
10. Give It Away, Give It Away Now!

Read more of the details in the article. For those familiar with Zingerman’s, a quiz: name the points that are taught as part of our internal culture. In general, what’s missing?