Do You Really Want to Be Happy?

Serve somebody.

No, I'm not kidding. An in depth article in Sunday's New York Times adds to the growing list of recent reports on the psychology of happiness and they say what I've known for a long time: the widespread belief held by average Americans that the pursuit of happiness is the same thing as the pursuit of really cool stuff, especially when it's on sale, is just not cutting it for most people.  As the article states, there is a difference between feeling good, which according to positive psychologists only creates a hunger for more pleasure — they call this syndrome the hedonic treadmill — and doing good, which can lead to lasting happiness.

In addition to volunteerism, the article which surveys the current state of Postive Psychology cites  meditation, optimism, gratitude and mindfulness as methods to improve one's level of happiness.  Researchers in positive psychology hope that by understanding the nature of happiness and how to cultivate it, more people will be able to learn healthy, lasting ways of obtaining it for themselves. Courses like Positive Psychology 450 at Harvard University and degree programs in the field are on the rise.

But do you need to improve your own happiness quotient?  Have you ever wondered "Just how happy is the next guy?"

How happy are you compared to the rest of us?  Martin Seligman, researcher renowned for his work studying the effects of stress and now and  founder of Positive Psychology, can help you find out over at the University of Pennsylvania's site Authentic Happiness. You are welcome to use all of the resources on this website for free.  I took the Authentic Happiness test and measured at the 99th percentile for happiness across the board.  But I already knew that.  Why do you think I am so aggressive with my dragons? I know they are hording gold, and I ain't talking coins, my friend.

According to positive psychology, your signature strengths play a special role in building your confidence and thus bringing you happiness. To help you determine yours, this site also offers a 240-question test to help determine whether your gift is for creativity, bravery, love or something else.

If you want to get started now making 2007 your happiest year yet and are willing to test the theory that volunteering can help you significantly in that direction I'll make it super easy for you.  Go to Hands On Network.  Hands On Network, is a national nonprofit committed to strengthening communities through meaningful volunteer action.  They have been named a winner of the 2007 Social Capitalist Award by Fast Company magazine and the Monitor Group. Hands On Network is one of 43 non-profit organizations selected for the 2007 Award and one of five profiled as “prime partners”.

When you get there, go to volunteer opportunities and enter your zip code. In Chicago you will get sent to Chicago Cares.  The ultra cool thing about Chicago Cares (which I hope is true for organizations in other areas) is that they know many of us have committments that don't make regular volunteering viable.  They've created a menu system basically that let's you volunteer when you can, no hassle, no long term committments. Each volunteer program is created by their staff to meet a community need and involves hands-on work (no office work or fundraising). You are led by a trained volunteer leader who knows what needs to be done and how - so you don't have to. Their offerings are flexible; you serve when you have time. Each program involves at least four volunteers, which means you are never alone and will always make a new friend.

Think volunteering would be cool but can't or don't feel like leaving your home to do it? Then please consider supporting Hugs and Hope. Children fighting for their lives have very little to smile about. You can change that by sending them some "Happy Mail." Cheery cards give these kids a few more smiles, a little more hope, and a reason to get out of bed each day. 

Think volunteering is cool but really need to find something that helps you make the rent? Want a side order of values with that?  Check out the job postings at Idealist.org

For additional thought provoking commentary on happiness vs. joy, check out Living a Life of Joy at Steve Pavlina's site. Also check out my sidebar for happiness related articles. 

And, remember, if all else fails, Ray can hook you up with a theme song that might do just the trick. 

And, as always, if you need help moving from insight to actual implementation of all these great ideas (including whoop ass) to make your life one truly worth living for a long, long time, contact me or visit Wellspring Coaching

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Comments

[erin]

Amen.
:)

[Dick Rowan]

I love Ray's song. His voice really stuck in my mind. I offer up some more words...

Ray’s Moments of Strength

I’m about to whip somebody’s ass
Whoa, I’m about to whip somebody’s ass
Whoa, if you don’t leave me alone
You gonna have to send me home
‘Cause I’m about to whip somebody’s ass.

Work is gonna put me in the ground
I don’t know if I can stick around
If you don’t cut me some slack
I’m gonna leave and never come back
'Cause work is gonna put me in the ground.

Daddy told me always do my best
He told me not to fret about the rest
But how can I make my way
With all the troubles I see each day
Daddy told me always do my best.

I am dreaming ‘bout another place
Where I’ll never have to see your face
This job’s as bad as it can get
Your gonna wish we’d never met
‘Cause I am dreaming ‘bout another place

I’m about to whip somebody’s ass
Whoa, I’m about to whip somebody’s ass
Whoa, if you don’t leave me alone
You gonna have to send me home
‘Cause I’m about to whip somebody’s ass.

[Laura Young]

Love this! You haven't lost your touch, Dick. Do I sense a new CD in your future? ; )