Podcast Episode 188 - How to Live a Happy Life in a Not-So-Happy World pt 3
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What’s the one thing that brings you the most joy?
Do you ever want to spend more time with loved ones, but life seems to get in the way?
What’s the most important thing on this earth to you?
We’re talking about how to live a happy life in a not-so-happy world.
In part one, you asked yourself, “What do you enjoy right now?” And “What or who makes your life meaningful in the long term?” Next, you dug into myths of happiness and what’s the truth. Today we’re talking about the #1 thing that will significantly impact your happiness.
Today is for you if…
• If you’re ready to be happier and continue to get happier as time goes by.
• If you desire to bring happiness to others too.
• If you want to enjoy your life on the way to fulfilling your God-given purpose.
Stats show as most people get older, they actually get happier. You would think that it would be the other way around as you get closer to your mortality date.
Why?
Age can give you a perspective that helps you shift your priorities to what you care about the most.
In episode 186, I shared with you about the Harvard Study of Adult Development that began in 1938 and is still going strong. “For over eight decades, this study has tracked the same individuals and their families, asking thousands of questions and taking hundreds of measurements—from brain scans to blood work—with the goal of discovering what really makes for a good life.”
Through all the years of studying these lives, strong relationships stand out because of their impact on physical health, mental health, and longevity.
Waldinger and Schulz, the current director and assistant director of the Harvard study, boil it down to: “Good relationships keep us happier and healthier. Period.”
So if relationships are the key to happiness, then it makes sense that your priorities should be your relationships. What do you think?
1. Set Priorities
You get to choose your priorities. If you don’t, someone will choose them for you.
2. Be Intentional
We’re all busy, but if we’re not intentional, time will slip away from us, and then we’ll only have our regrets to live with.
You must intentionally set aside time to spend time with the people you love the most and develop new relationships. Please put it on your calendar.
3. Be Consistent
Do something every day to reach out to others. I have on my planner, “reach out to today.” And I pick people I will text, call or email.”
Consistency will feed and nurture your relationships.
Ideas to nurture relationships to get you started:
Text your spouse a word of encouragement
Call or text a friend
Set a lunch date with someone
Write a card and mail it!
Read to your kids at night
Family dinner
Homework:
Set Priorities:
Where do you need to shift your priorities?
Be Intentional:
How do you want to invest in your relationship?
Be Consistent:
What’s the first step you can take today to make that shift?
How can you be consistent? Do you need to set a reminder in the calendar or alarm on your phone?