I read some thoughts by the famous Dilbert cartoonist, Scott Adams, about happiness and his ideas resonated with me.
I didn’t write his ideas down, but I have been pondering about what he wrote and adding my own thoughts. Here is my formula for happiness–it’s a Trifecta.
Health
Wealth
Freedom
Each of these can be broken down accordingly:
Health: for me, happiness means sufficient sleep (5-7 hours each night); exercise (I like to exercise every day which typically includes an hour walk, some form of weight lifting, and mobility/stretching); nutrition (I eat pretty darn clean…lots of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, eggs, chicken, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, oatmeal, salads, and basically anything that isn’t processed).
Wealth: wealth has everything to do with money and relationships. I invest in assets and limit my liabilities. I love learning and am continually investing in myself and in income producing investments. I surround myself with incredible people and I try to avoid negative nellies and toxic teds. I 100% believe that we are as great as the 5 people we spend the most time with. I don’t need a lot of friends to be happy. I need a handful of quality people and stellar colleagues. In fact, I’m kind of an introvert, and very much a cat. I’m pretty contented to be alone and engaged in a worthy project.
Freedom: Freedom to me means I have the ability to do what I want when I want. This is especially important when it comes to my work. I do not want to have to go to an office or attend meetings, or get yanked around by a boss. I appreciate being paid for results and outputs, not inputs and time. I enjoy skiing or going for a bike ride in the middle of the day and fitting my work around my fun. Some days I’m up and working at 5 am, or I get a creative burst at midnight. I am so happy that I am in control of my time.
There is no amount of money or status you could give me that would entice me to give up my time freedom. I did it once and I will avoid doing it again. I have sufficient for my needs and will avoid golden handcuffs again. 🙂 Being stuck in a 9-5 is as bad as being a hamster on a wheel in a cage. We were made for more.
Well, that’s pretty much my formula for a happy life. If I had to add one more piece to the happiness equation it would have to do with forward momentum.
I like feeling like I’m moving in the right direction, and the right direction for me is simply learning and growing. I’m okay to take a few steps backward so long as my overall trajectory is onward and upward.
What is your formula for happiness? Do any of my points resonate with you? I would love to hear your happiness thoughts in the comments below.