The Happiness Equation
With so many seeking happiness these days without fruition, I think it’s time to share the process I’ve developed for myself. I’ve quantified my happiness, and measure it every few months through this process.
Do note that happiness is an emotion like any other, so it’s impossible to feel it at every moment. However, one can achieve a fulfilled lens on life. And while you may not have control over everything that happens in your life, you do have control over your emotions. Therefore, happiness is a choice.
I visualize happiness as a winding equation, similar to the following:
A + B+ C+ D+ E … = Happiness
In this equation, each component (A, B, C, etc.) represents something you require in order to be happy. These extend beyond basic human needs of shelter, water, and sustenance, and effectively capture what you in particular need to be truly and utterly content. For example, my happiness equation consists of the following:
Being able to see my family and know that they are safe and healthy
+
Being healthy
+
Discussing new ideas & connecting with smart, thoughtful, and passionate individuals for at least 2-3 hrs/wk
+
Not having any beef with the people closest to me
+
Gastronomical exploration of a unique cuisine at least once a week
+
Access to fresh and healthy food and a variety of cuisines 24/7
+
Self care: Spa time (as needed), bubble baths (weekly), skincare (daily)
+
Traveling abroad & learning about new cultures 2x/yr
+
Learning something new every day
+
The freedom to do what I want to do
+
Singing
+
Dancing
+
A high quality wardrobe of wear-anywhere comfy but sharp attire
+
Sunshine 2-3 days/wk
+
Coming up with new creations in the kitchen
+
A good cup of puerrh, sencha, or oolong every morning
+
Pleasant scents around me 24/7
+
Getting alone time and quiet at least 4 hrs/day
=
Happy Rashmi
The fewer the number of components that your happiness equation comprises, the higher your chances are of being happy.
Be honest with yourself as your constructing your equation and put a pragmatic spin on it by assessing how much of each component you need- Is it something you require on a daily basis? Weekly? That way, anytime you’re unhappy, you can look at your happiness equation and effectively evaluate which of your happiness needs are not being met, and make changes to ensure a happier you.
Love that and totally agree!
I really love this line of yours:
“The fewer the number of components that your happiness equation comprises, the higher your chances are of being happy.”
One thing to add would be it changes as life changes. Take one component out of the equation, you will find another component. Or one less component to deal with that keeps you unhappy.
Happiness should be within the journey and not at the destination. If you are running towards or running away from something to be happy, you would never be happy. The moment you reach the destination you will find some other destination that keeps you unhappy.