thescruffypiratedotorg

I read an article recently on happiness. It was a scientific look at happiness. Apparently, according to the article, 50% of our happiness potential is determined by genes. 10% was life circumstances. Like position in life, money, job and the like. People apparently usually concentrate on that 10% the most in trying to achieve happiness. The problem with that approach, though is that, according to the article, "Gains in happiness quickly become the norm."

In other words the grass is always greener on the other side.

The other 40% is what is least emphasized. Though it is the part we have the most control over. It is day to day life. Here is their list of the 10 things we should try and do...

1. Don't equate happiness with money.

2. Exercise regularly.

3. Have sex.

4. Devote time and effort to close relationships.

5. Pause for reflection, meditate on the good things in life.

6. Seek work that engages your skills, look to enjoy your job.

7. Give your body the sleep it needs.

8. Don't pursue happiness for its own sake, enjoy the moment.

9. Take control of your life, set achievable goals.

10. Remember to follow rules 1 -9.

So I am going to start at the top and work my way down. I am going to try and start getting regular exercise. Back in Portland, I had started biking but that lasted about a week before Keri came out and hung out with her and then drove out here and now it hasn't been happening. So, this next week I want to exercise 4 times. I'll keep you posted! I hope I can do it!

12 July 2006 10:02am UTC • 325 views • 1 comment

1 comment

1. Dread Pirate Benjamin

   21 August 2009 06:22am UTC

   I know this is a very old post (3 years ago!) but when going through my old back ups (on CDs no less, not even DVDs!) I came across the article mentioned in this post.

   This is one of those articles that has always stuck with me and when thinking about the concept of 'happiness' I think about. So, I decided to post it online so it is forever bookmarked and saved somewhere!

   Here it is! (PDF)

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