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Summary

The article emphasizes the importance of investing in a "Happiness 401(k) Plan" to ensure long-term happiness and well-being, similar to a traditional 401(k) plan for financial security.

Abstract

The article starts with the author's admiration for people who can genuinely laugh, even in difficult times. The author then discusses the concept of a 401(k) plan, comparing it to the idea of planning for happiness. The author suggests that just as everyone should plan for their retirement financially, they should also plan for their happiness by investing in activities that contribute to their overall well-being. The article outlines seven habits that can contribute to long-term happiness, such as maintaining a healthy body weight, prioritizing movement, practicing coping mechanisms, learning new things, and cultivating stable relationships. The author acknowledges that while they previously believed it was too late for them to invest in their happiness, they realize that by committing to these habits, they can still achieve happiness in their later years.

Opinions

  • The author believes that everyone is responsible for their happiness, and nobody else can turn them into happy people.
  • The author feels that it is never too late to quit smoking or drinking, and that these habits can add years to one's life.
  • The author expresses the idea that walking is the best form of movement for overall well-being.
  • The author suggests that learning new things and keeping the mind active is important for long-term happiness.
  • The author emphasizes the importance of cultivating stable, long-term relationships for overall well-being.

Every Day Is a New Day To Add a Dollar to Your Happiness Retirement Plan

Is it never too late to invest in your happiness 401(K) Plan?

Photo by Juan Vargas: https://www.pexels.com/photo/joyful-young-woman-sitting-on-street-stairs-6398330/

Oh! I wish I could laugh every day like you do.

I always tell him after I hear him laugh at whatever he is watching, a TikTok video or some random YouTube video.

Last night, I told him I can’t remember laughing every day, and now I do because of him.

I was sad very early on as a kid. I'm just sad.

And most days, I think it is too late to be happy, and I admire people who can genuinely laugh even when life is hard or the world isn't a happy place.

What is a 401(k) plan, and how does it work?

A 401(k) is a retirement savings and investing plan that employers offer. Everyone should plan their retirement, we will get old, and there is no turning back time.

When I read this article from the Atlantic, it made me think do we feel the same way with our happiness, do we plan at all?

When I asked myself about it, I could say I didn't plan at all.

Although I know that we are responsible for our happiness, there is no other way. Nobody is responsible for our happiness, not even our family and friends can turn us into happy people.

We have to work on it ourselves if we want to be happy as we get old.

Happiness 401(k) Plan

What I love about these 7 habits is that for me, they are doable because of two things on the list, I don't smoke, and I only drink occasionally.

  1. Don't smoke. If you do, quit. I know it is the hardest thing for anyone who smokes. The truth is I have friends who smoke, and I accept that when I'm with them, I am exposed to secondhand smoke. But I also know that it is never too late to quit. Studies have shown that anytime you quit smoking, you are adding years to your life.
  2. Watch your drinking. The same is true with alcohol. Drink moderately. We hear that a lot from alcohol commercials. It is also prudent not to drive when you drink. It is recreational to many, and it is hard to tell anyone who loves drinking that they have too many. What I learned from a friend is never drink when you have problems. It only makes it worse. In itself, research says that alcohol is a predictor in your old age if you will be happy or sad-sick.
  3. Maintain healthy body weight. I have issues with my body weight, but I was on the thin side as a young kid. I realized as I got into my 40s and now that I'm in my 50s, it is hard to lose weight, and even when I wrote How to Lose 20 Pounds in 30 Days without Exercise like Tim Ferris, I still have a few pounds left that I want to lose. However, being at the right weight helps me maintain my overall well-being.
  4. Prioritize movement in your life by scheduling it every day and sticking to it. They say walking is the best. I should do it more often.
  5. Practice your coping mechanisms now. I failed in this area early on, although I have a niece who told me once that I am stronger than I think I am. Life is hard. There isn't an easy way to put it. A few days ago, a singer who had a profound effect on me passed away, and she left us with this message that I am holding onto for the rest of my life. You Can't Wait Until Life Isn't Hard Anymore Before You Decide To Be Happy" — Nightbirde. There are ways to help us deal with life, but it is also Ok when we aren't Ok that we should ask for help when life overwhelms us.
  6. Keep learning. It is never too late to learn something new in life. I began my writing career in my 50s. Always be curious. Reading a book is the only way to keep our minds active.
  7. Do the work to cultivate stable, long-term relationships now. Relationships are like plants. You water it. You take time to cultivate it, as it is the only way to grow. Family, friends, and lovers.

Is it never too late to invest in your happiness 401K plan?

I always believe that it is too late for me, as I have embraced my sadness that it feels like a second skin to me.

But whenever I am with him, he does make me happy.

If we want to grow old together, it isn't too late to invest in my happiness 401K plan.

And the 7 habits that can help me achieve happiness in my later years aren't that hard to do. I only need to commit to them.

“Others may walk it with you, but no one can walk it for you.” — Rumi.

Happiness is a choice, and that choice is ours to make. Nobody can make us happy it starts with ourselves.

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401k
Happiness
Investing
Finance
Retirement Planning
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