December 16th, 2008

10 Steps to Happiness

Alternet gleans several years of research from the field of positive psychology to reveal “10 Things Science Says will Make You Happy.”  The list, paraphrased, is:

1. Stop and enjoy the present.
2. Don’t compare yourself to the Joneses.
3. Don’t obsess over money.
4. Aspire to leave an imprint.
5. Be intrinsically motivated on the job.
6. Build a supportive network of family and friends
7. Act optimistic even if you have to fake it.
8. Gratitude, baby, gratitude.
9. Exercise is all good.
10. Givers gain.

It’s worth reading the whole story.

 

Category: Science, Self-management | Tags:

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6 Comments

1. Rachel Strate on December 16, 2008

   Saw this post / blog due to Tim Walk posting it up on Twitter. Great list… thanks for sharing. I am excited to read your upcoming posts.
   Best.
   Rachel

2. jsutton on December 18, 2008

   I totally agree with this list. I try to live my life according to these ideals, and I can truly say that after over 65 years of being alive, this way works.

3. Scott Jagodzinski on December 25, 2008

   Thanks for the list and the link. Great information!

   Some interesting and related material can be found at http://www.bluezones.com/

   Dan Buettner wrote an interesting book that covers 9 common denominators to living a longer life. Like the list above, his book “The Blue Zones” offers simple steps anyone can take to improve their life.

4. kelly hines on December 30, 2008

   Thanks for sharing your list. I think #7 is very true and highly under-utilized. It works for energy levels as well!

5. elrambo on January 2, 2009

   Weird how these are pretty much the same things that religion says will make you happy. Good list!

6. AJ Kumar on January 27, 2009

   Simple and sweet. Makes sense to me

   Thanks for sharing.

   AJ Kumar