I’m currently reading a phenomenal book called Sapiens, a Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari. The biological-anthropological based discussion weaves the author’s philosophy in many of the chapters, but the one that got me thinking today was a chapter on the concept of human happiness. The author demonstrates that on a macro-level, at no other point in the history of humankind are we less violent, healthier and economically prosperous. We should all be jumping for joy then, right? Not so fast. Biologically, Harari demonstrates that happiness comes from feelings. So where do our feelings come from?
If you guessed your thoughts, you guessed right!
Do this quick exercise for me…
On a scale of 1 -10, 1 being totally dissatisfied, and 10 being totally satisfied, how would you rate your level of satisfaction in the following areas:
- Personal Development
- Family
- Spouse/Partner
- Social Relationships
- Fun/Enjoyment
- Finance/Wealth
- Spirituality
- Career
- Health
What do your scores look like? If you wanted to increase your score by 1 point in the category that would make the greatest impact in your day-to-day happiness, what would you need to do?
One of the things I’m always coaching my clients towards is thought management, as it relates to generating the feeling, the action and the result that they’re ultimately looking for.
In other words, in order to feel happy, you first need to think thoughts that will make you feel that way. While this is not always easy, it really is conceptually that simple.
Everyone has the power to choose their own thoughts. So, the next time you’re feeling a lack of happiness, check in with your thoughts. As DVF says, you alone possess the keys to your being and carry the passport to your own happiness.
Be well today and every day.
