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Abstract

or happiness, and honestly, I totally believe it still works.<h2 id="79fe">What’s wisdom got to do with happiness?</h2>Actually, a lot. Wisdom is the ability to make good decisions.By making good decisions, life tends to get better. And a better life produces the context for being happy.Truth be told, the opposite of making good decisions is often the cause of a whole lot of sorrow and misery.So this part of the formula, the wisdom part, is kind of easy to understand. To be happy, you got to get wise.<h2 id="7015">How does time fit in?</h2>Years ago a 19-year-old came asking me for advice. She was in a predicament and I advised her to tell the truth.Mandy came back the next week, frustrated and in tears. “I told my boss the truth and he fired me!”. My heart went out to her.But this is where time is important. Over the years, Mandy got a reputation for being truthful. Today she works in the banking industry with a large client base.People come to her, because she did/does the right thing, multiplied over a long period of time.<h2 id="c933">Four critical areas of life</h2>Now that we’ve taken a look at our formula for happiness, let see how to apply it.You can apply wisdom to anything, and you’ll probably come out ok. But there are four areas in life, where the formula is critical.Here is a look at each one:1. Choosing friends:Wisdom plays a crucial role in the process of selecting friends. If you're not selective, chances are you're going to have relationship troubles.Unfortunately, most people are more careful about deciding what they will eat than with whom they will eat.At the very least, a friend is someone whom we admire in some way. There is some good quality in that person that justifies spending time with them.By surrounding yourself with goodhearted and genuine individuals, you create a positive and uplifting social environment, fostering personal growth and enriching experiences.2. Adopting a good cause:People with a good life don’t make their lives about themselves. They live in ways that benefit others.Choose a cause that aligns with your values, passions, and skills. And give your time, talent, or money, but give.This makes you a giver and just a taker.An alignment between personal values and chosen causes

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not only brings a sense of fulfillment and purpose but also amplifies the happiness derived from making a meaningful impact.3. Managing time:Effectively managing time allows you to make the most of your available hours and accomplish tasks with efficiency and focus.Whether it’s in personal or professional settings, time management enables people to prioritize their responsibilities, set achievable goals, meet deadlines and avoid negative experiences.Not only that, but efficient time management fosters self-discipline and empowers you to take charge of your life, propelling you towards greater accomplishments and a sense of fulfillment.Time management is a crucial skill that plays a pivotal role in achieving success and maintaining a happy life.4. Facing adversity:In the journey of life, facing adversity is inevitable, and how individuals respond to these challenges can significantly impact their personal well-being and happiness.Responding correctly to adversity entails adopting a positive mindset and using challenges as opportunities for learning and growth.Embracing adversity as a chance to learn from mistakes and setbacks fosters adaptability, making individuals better equipped to navigate future challenges with confidence.By viewing adversity as a stepping stone rather than an insurmountable barrier, individuals can emerge stronger, more empathetic, and with a deeper appreciation for life’s journey.<h2 id="7c93">Last but not least</h2>Admittedly, this is not a quick-fix approach to happiness. However, it does have the stamp of approval of being tested over time.By making good decisions and learning from life’s challenges, you pave the way for a more fulfilling and contented existence.In applying this ancient formula to the four critical areas of life — choosing genuine friends, adopting meaningful causes, managing time efficiently, and facing adversity with resilience — you unlock the doors to a truly enriched life.I believe that happiness is not an elusive dream but a tangible reality within our reach.I also believe that happiness is not about wealth or possessions; I believe it springs from the conscious choices we make, the relationships we nurture, and the positive impact we leave on the world around us.What about you?What do you think produces happiness?</article></body>

An Ancient Formula for Happiness

The Four Essential Keys to a Fulfilling Life

Surprisingly, some of the happiest people I’ve met are not wealthy.

Like Janise, a lady in her early 60s already suffering from chronic arthritis. She had raised three children as a single mom on the salary of a supermarket employee.

Every time I was with Janise, she had a new story to tell. Her life was always overflowing. Her eyes would beam as she told of her adventures helping others.

She is certainly not one of the wealthiest people I know, but admittedly, she is one of the most satisfied-with-life people I have ever met.

What was her secret to being consistently happy?

The secret formula

Folks are always saying that there is no formula for happiness. Have you heard people say that?

People say stuff like, “There are no guarantees in life; you never know if you will be happy”. Or “Happiness is not a one-size-fits-all; you have to find your own way”. Or how about “Being happy is just a fable”?

All this pessimistic talk about happiness is really misleading.

In the real world, there is such a thing as happiness. And in the real world, there are things that facilitate getting that happiness.

It isn’t rocket science, but there is logic to how happiness works.

An ancient perspective

Way back in ancient times, the Hebrew people had a king who gained a reputation for being really smart.

King Solomon was supposedly so intelligent that other monarchs would consult him.

The wise proverbs of King Solomon were immortalized in a book appropriately called “Proverbs”. This book is still studied today in philosophy classes at universities all over the world.

That’s how brilliant this guy was!

King Solomon’s formula for happiness

Although the book of Proverbs contains over 800 proverbs, you don’t need to know all 800 to get at his formula for happiness.

Stated quite simply, King Solomon’s formula for happiness is:

Wisdom multiplied by time equals happiness.

That’s it. It’s one of the world’s oldest formulas for happiness, and honestly, I totally believe it still works.

What’s wisdom got to do with happiness?

Actually, a lot. Wisdom is the ability to make good decisions.

By making good decisions, life tends to get better. And a better life produces the context for being happy.

Truth be told, the opposite of making good decisions is often the cause of a whole lot of sorrow and misery.

So this part of the formula, the wisdom part, is kind of easy to understand. To be happy, you got to get wise.

How does time fit in?

Years ago a 19-year-old came asking me for advice. She was in a predicament and I advised her to tell the truth.

Mandy came back the next week, frustrated and in tears. “I told my boss the truth and he fired me!”. My heart went out to her.

But this is where time is important. Over the years, Mandy got a reputation for being truthful. Today she works in the banking industry with a large client base.

People come to her, because she did/does the right thing, multiplied over a long period of time.

Four critical areas of life

Now that we’ve taken a look at our formula for happiness, let see how to apply it.

You can apply wisdom to anything, and you’ll probably come out ok. But there are four areas in life, where the formula is critical.

Here is a look at each one:

1. Choosing friends:

Wisdom plays a crucial role in the process of selecting friends. If you're not selective, chances are you're going to have relationship troubles.

Unfortunately, most people are more careful about deciding what they will eat than with whom they will eat.

At the very least, a friend is someone whom we admire in some way. There is some good quality in that person that justifies spending time with them.

By surrounding yourself with goodhearted and genuine individuals, you create a positive and uplifting social environment, fostering personal growth and enriching experiences.

2. Adopting a good cause:

People with a good life don’t make their lives about themselves. They live in ways that benefit others.

Choose a cause that aligns with your values, passions, and skills. And give your time, talent, or money, but give.

This makes you a giver and just a taker.

An alignment between personal values and chosen causes not only brings a sense of fulfillment and purpose but also amplifies the happiness derived from making a meaningful impact.

3. Managing time:

Effectively managing time allows you to make the most of your available hours and accomplish tasks with efficiency and focus.

Whether it’s in personal or professional settings, time management enables people to prioritize their responsibilities, set achievable goals, meet deadlines and avoid negative experiences.

Not only that, but efficient time management fosters self-discipline and empowers you to take charge of your life, propelling you towards greater accomplishments and a sense of fulfillment.

Time management is a crucial skill that plays a pivotal role in achieving success and maintaining a happy life.

4. Facing adversity:

In the journey of life, facing adversity is inevitable, and how individuals respond to these challenges can significantly impact their personal well-being and happiness.

Responding correctly to adversity entails adopting a positive mindset and using challenges as opportunities for learning and growth.

Embracing adversity as a chance to learn from mistakes and setbacks fosters adaptability, making individuals better equipped to navigate future challenges with confidence.

By viewing adversity as a stepping stone rather than an insurmountable barrier, individuals can emerge stronger, more empathetic, and with a deeper appreciation for life’s journey.

Last but not least

Admittedly, this is not a quick-fix approach to happiness. However, it does have the stamp of approval of being tested over time.

By making good decisions and learning from life’s challenges, you pave the way for a more fulfilling and contented existence.

In applying this ancient formula to the four critical areas of life — choosing genuine friends, adopting meaningful causes, managing time efficiently, and facing adversity with resilience — you unlock the doors to a truly enriched life.

I believe that happiness is not an elusive dream but a tangible reality within our reach.

I also believe that happiness is not about wealth or possessions; I believe it springs from the conscious choices we make, the relationships we nurture, and the positive impact we leave on the world around us.

What about you?

What do you think produces happiness?