The study of the rich and the poor has led me down many rabbit holes.
One very important rabbit hole was habits, which I am now certain dictates the circ*mstances of our lives.
But another important rabbit hole I ventured down, is something that every human seeks – happiness.
I’ve identified seven pillars of happiness. These represent seven core things that create happiness:
1. Rich relationships
Who you surround yourself with dictates your happiness.
If you surround yourself with too many negatives, toxic, unhappy people they will infect you with their negativity and cause you great unhappiness.
If you surround yourself with many positive, upbeat, optimistic, happy people they too will infect you with their positivity and cause you to be happy.
2. Pursue your dreams and goals
When you put your ladder on someone else’s wall, you are essentially following someone else’s dreams and goals.
Because they are not your dreams and your goals, eventually you will become bored or despondent with your life.
When you follow your dreams and goals, however, that is where happiness lies.
You need to pursue those things in life that make your heart sing.
3. Service to others
When you give of yourself for the benefit of others, happiness results.
This is why volunteering is so important – it makes you feel happy and fulfilled.
When your health is poor, it creates great unhappiness.
This is why it is so important to exercise every day and eat healthy food.
When you pursue a lifestyle that benefits your health, happiness follows.
5. Financial security
When you are unable to pay your bills or struggle financially, this creates unhappiness.
When your wealth produces enough income to maintain your standard of living until you die, you eliminate the vast majority of your problems in life.
Not having to worry about money, creates happiness.
6. Happy family and friends
When any of your family or friends are struggling in life, this makes you unhappy.
As someone once told me –you are only as happy as your unhappiest child.
When those around you are happy about their lives, that makes you happy.
7. Enjoy what you do for a living
When you hate your job, you are unhappy.
When you love your job, you are happy.
Doing work that you enjoy creates happiness.
About Tom CorleyTom is a CPA, CFP and heads one of the top financial firms in New Jersey. For 5 years, Tom observed and documented the daily activities of wealthy people and people living in poverty and his research he identified over 200 daily activities that separated the “haves” from the “have nots” which culminated in his #1 bestselling book, Rich Habits – The Daily Success Habits of Wealthy Individuals.Visit the website: www.richhabits.net
FAQs
7 Happiness Principles for Learning How to Be Happy
Principle #1: Choose happiness. Principle #2: Practice gratitude. Principle #3: Spend more time in your values. Principle #4: Set your own happiness level.
What are the seven pillars of wellbeing? ›
When you break it down, the seven pillars are physical, emotional, intellectual, social, spiritual, environmental, and occupational/finance. Sometimes these pillars overlap and it's not uncommon to find that you're putting more effort into one pillar and pushing others aside.
What is the #1 key to happiness? ›
Relationships are Key to Health and Happiness
According to Dr. Waldinger, good relationships "keep us healthier and happier." People with more robust social connections showed lower rates of diabetes, arthritis, cognitive decline, and other chronic conditions.
What are the 5 P's of happiness? ›
In fact, the five P's of Life – Patience, Persistence, Perseverance, Passion, and Purpose, are the foundation of many peoples success.
What are the 7 differences between pleasure and happiness? ›
The Seven Key Differences:
Pleasure is short-lived; happiness is long-lived. Pleasure is visceral; happiness is ethereal. Pleasure is taking; happiness is giving. Pleasure can be achieved with substances; happiness cannot be achieved with substances.
What is the golden rule of happiness? ›
The golden rule of happiness is that “the more you make others happy: the happier you will be”. Try to make at least 3 people smile every day. Make sure you have a hearty laugh, and smile more. Keep your surroundings clutter free.
How many pillars of happiness are there? ›
The four pillars of happiness are loving and engaged relationships, a sense of purpose, an attitude of optimism, and a connection to spirituality. All four pillars support a happy life. If you are unhappy, the first step is to identify which area you're lacking in.
What are the seven pillars of health summary? ›
Each method of self-care fits into one of the seven pillars: mental, emotional, physical, environmental, spiritual, recreational, and social. A well-balanced self-care routine involves each of these, so avoid restricting yourself to just one or two pillars.
What is the pillar of emotional health? ›
Pillar 2: Emotional Health
While often used in the same light as mental health, emotional health is something completely different. Emotional health refers to having an awareness of your feelings and emotions as well as having the ability to manage and express these feelings in an age-appropriate fashion.
What are the pillars of holistic wellbeing? ›
Wellness encompasses 8 mutually interdependent dimensions: physical, intellectual, emotional, social, spiritual, vocational, financial, and environmental (Table 1) (1).
Psychological well-being consists of self-acceptance, positive relationships with others, autonomy, environmental mastery, a feeling of purpose and meaning in life, and personal growth and development.
What are the 4 keys to a happy life? ›
The Big Four Happiness Factors. Researchers have explored populations around the globe and it turns out that the four qualities that bring satisfaction and peace are pretty similar no matter where your McMansion or Tiny House is built. The Big Four are friendliness, cheerfulness, compassion, and gratitude.
What is the secret to happiness? ›
Study director Dr. Waldinger says positive relationships keep us happier, healthier and help us live longer. It boils down to something researchers call social fitness, being close to others is what keeps people happy throughout their lives. And they say it's never too late to find that happiness.
