Publisher's Synopsis
I hold firm, the opinion that ultimately, a life well-lived is one filled with some measurable level of happiness. Regardless of the specific ways in which you or I may define happiness, or what it means to be happy, we both understand the value and the enriching powers of happiness. But beware, for happiness is an elusive, shape-shifting clever little creature. It gets us acclimated to one version of itself then it abruptly leaves us. We often spend our entire lives trying to catch another glimpse of it. Most of us often come up empty on our quest to recapture what once was. To put the genie back in the bottle if you will. We often search tirelessly for happiness, not realizing that what we once knew has transformed into a new version of itself. A 40- year old father of three's version of happy looks nothing like that of a 3-year-old boy. As we travel through time and space, we must see to it that we adapt our version of happiness and expectations of, to fit whichever chapter of life we find ourselves on. We must define happiness and seek the tools and resources to help as closely as possible mirror our reality to our dreams.EXCERPTLife on arrival: The Happy Planet Index (HPI)So what is the end game here? No, really - When this life is over when it is all said and done, what would you like to have accomplished? Not to get all gory on you, but this, I think is a real question. Is it not? I am sure this is a question you have often asked yourself.If you are reading this book then safe to say you are one who looks for deeper meanings in things. And if you are a fan of my work - my books - then you know I often like to explore the meeting points of commerce, psychology, social science, and life in general. I often encourage those around me to view all these elements of life as intertwined. The most successful people, those that have found success as they (truly) define it are often the happiest. These are the folks that are often doing what they love and love to spread positive vibes wherever they go. These are typically the types of folks who see life as an experience meant to be shared with others. They see life as an extremely temporary phenomenon when compared to the total history of our universe. These folks, as a result, do not believe in allowing life's most precious resource: time, to be wasted on unfulfilling, or unproductive actions, or emotions. HAPPINESS RESEARCHI believe that in life, one can be successful at anything. No lie! I think when it is all said and done, finding success or being successful and as a consequence of your success, finding happiness, arent the quintessential elements of life that elude us the most. You see, in my opinion, happiness is that song that you love so much. The one that makes you happy (instantly) every time you hear it on the radio, in a movie, etc. Metaphorically, success is just one of the ways/platforms via which this song - your favorite jam - can be consumed. That being said, I find that for some of us, there are many elements of the lives we build ourselves that cause interference in either acquiring the tools we need to hear this sweet sweet song or that even when we hear it, we cannot seem to enjoy it due to various distractions. And since 13 % of Americans report being unhappy - according to the General Social Survey, it is safe to say that most of us are unable to reach the point at which we can enjoy the fruits of our labor, spend time with our loved ones, and so on. The point in life when you feel as though, regardless of the challenges you face, that all is well. The " I am doing well. The family is doing well. We are happy and healthy" phase in life.
