Summary

The article suggests that happiness is not dependent on wealth or external circumstances but rather on understanding and embracing the unpredictability of happiness, living in the present, and practicing gratitude.

Abstract

The article "The Happiest People in the World Have Realized These 3 Simple Truths" challenges the common belief that money and external success lead to happiness. It argues that happiness is unpredictable and cannot be accurately forecasted due to the ever-changing nature of our desires and goals. The author, drawing from personal experience and psychological research, emphasizes that happiness is only real when experienced in the present moment and that postponing it for future achievements is futile. Furthermore, the article highlights the importance of gratitude as a fundamental attitude for a happy life, suggesting that appreciating what one has can significantly improve well-being. The author encourages readers to focus on the present, embrace their imperfections, and maintain a gratitude journal to foster a happier mindset.

Opinions

The author disputes the notion that Finns are the happiest people, citing a high rate of alcoholism and suggesting that their reported happiness may be skewed.
The article posits that people are poor predictors of their future happiness because their desires and goals are constantly evolving.
It is suggested that achieving one's dreams does not guarantee everlasting happiness, as personal longings continue to change.
The author criticizes the idea of postponing happiness for a future time, such as retirement, as unwise and unrealistic.
Happy people are described as those who choose to embrace the present moment and their current circumstances, including insecurities and lack.
Gratitude is presented as a powerful tool for happiness, with the author citing personal examples and the experiences of others who have benefited from keeping gratitude journals.
The article encourages a shift from chasing everlasting happiness to adopting a mindset of present happiness and gratitude.

The Happiest People in the World Have Realized These 3 Simple Truths

Hint: it has nothing to do with having more money

First of all, it has been a lie all the time.

Finns aren’t the happiest people in the world. Trust me, I’ve been there. I don’t want to bash here, but the alcoholics rate is at around 10%, and even some of them admit they don’t complain about things.

That’s the only thing that makes them so happy on paper.

And they aren’t entirely wrong about it, but an alcoholics rate of around 10% can’t mean they’re all too happy.

Now, after we get that out of the way, let’s look at what the happiest people in the world have realized.

Happiness is unpredictable

We’re all horrible at predicting future happiness.

Even if we think we know, we have no idea what will make us feel better in the future. Yes, even you.

In his book “Stumbling on Happiness” Dan Gilbert explains that we don’t know what will make us happy in the future.

The reasons? Our desires and goals constantly evolve.

I’ve experienced this firsthand. I hated my business informatics studies and dreamed of becoming a location-independent writer.

I believed achieving that will give me everlasting happiness.

Having earned more than $200.000 writing later and being a writer, I still have my good and bad days.

Yes, I’m in a better place now. But I’m not that much happier than before. I still long for other things, too.

And I always will.

It’s human nature to want more.

But you can accept this fact and work with it. How?

By zooming out and being happy here and now.

Now is the only time happiness can exist

Happy people know that postponing happiness doesn’t work.

Sure, you can hope for a better future. You can even save up 1 million dollars and dream of spending it as soon as you retire. Only to get hit by a bus next week.

Happy people know that’s stupid.

But before you get weird ideas, it’s terrible to waste your life being drunk and high all the time.

Happy people know you can embrace the now to have a better life. Yes, with all your insecurities, even with all the things you don’t have.

Happiness is a mindset, not a specific number in your bank.

My parents were happy when they fled the GDR with nothing. Although they had given up their entire life, left their friends behind, and almost lost my older siblings, they were happy.

They chose to be happy.

You can choose, too. How? Here’s how.