He’s no locksmith, but Michael Porter thinks he has discovered an important key—the key to happiness. Porter, a Harvard economist, has been researching social process and how to measure it.
Through his research, Porter has found the key to a person’s happiness is the opportunity to change and better one’s life: Porter’s research suggests this “is a crucial but elusive ingredient to a smoothly functioning society—or what, at the individual level, one might call happiness (Quartz).”
Another researcher, Dr. Stephen Post, has studied the different components of happiness for several years. He believes the key to genuine happiness is found in living the Golden Rule.
When you do unto others as you would have them do unto you, there’s a good chance that you’re a person who volunteers to help those in need. The willingness to help others can enhance your sense of well-being.
A study found that 41% of people who volunteer an average of 100 hours a year report a greater sense of well-being, saying that volunteering
- 68%: “has made me feel physically healthier
- 92%: “enriches my sense of purpose in life
- 73%: “lowers my stress levels,”
- 96%: “makes people happier,”
- 77%: “improves emotional health,”
- 78% also reported that volunteering helps with recovery “from loss and disappointment”
Typically, people who give of themselves to others have less trouble sleeping, and they experience less anxiety, less helplessness & hopelessness. They also report better friendships and social networks, and sense of control over chronic conditions than people who are more self-centered.
In his, It’s Good To Be Good, research, Post says: ….as one achieves a certain shift from selfishness to concern for others, benefits accrue. His research suggests that a person may feel good when he gives a financial gift to an individual or a cause; however, the benefits of helping others are most pronounced in direct person-to-person “hands on” activities.
The key research by Porter and Post simply validates the principle posited by Jesus over a thousand years ago: Treat others the same way you want them to treat, and you both will be blessed.
When we embrace the words of Jesus and begin to live the Golden Rule, a satisfying life is within our reach. According to Post, one way to elevate happiness is to reach out in helping behaviors and contribute to the lives of others. That happiness in turn elevates giving, which in turn elevates happiness. The two fuel each other in a circular fashion – a classic feedback loop.
The words of Dr. Albert Schweitzer leave us with a thought worth thinking: The only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve
When I posted to this blog yesterday, I wrote a little bit about my garden. Since I made that post, I’ve thought about the first garden and Adam the first farmer: “The Lord God placed the man in the Garden of Eden to cultivate it and guard it (Genesis 2:15.)”
The presumed benefits of friendship have been the focus of many self-help books and the authors have suggested that healthy friendships are a key metric to measure happiness; boost your physical and mental health; and, they may even extend your life.
On a recent trip to the lake, I saw the good, the bad, and the ugly. I’ll give them to you in reverse order: The ugly was the trash that someone had thrown into the lake; the bad was the wasp that kept buzzing my head; and, the good was the honey bee who was pollinating flowers and gathering nectar
Today is the day of practical jokes and epic spoofs—it’s April Fool’s Day. I learned early in life that the spoofer seems to get more joy out of this day than does the spoofed.
The raging wildfire that has devoured 72,000 acres of grass and farmland was the focus of an article I wrote last week. That same fire is still burning this morning, and it has now consumed over 400,000 acres.
When I woke up this morning, to the rhythm and words of an old gospel hymn. The four-line chorus reminded me of a precious truth:
On February 23 at 11:27 AM, Cedric Ford made a post to his Facebook page: “Woke up this morning vibing God is good.” Last night, channel 12 news identified Ford as the shooter at the Excel Plant in Hesston, Kansas. I’m not sure how a person can post those words on a Tuesday and then take a weapon on Thursday, and kill 3 people and shoot a total of 18.
My two favorite seasons of the year are Spring and Fall. In the cycle of life, I think these are the two most refreshing seasons of the year.
If 36 is old, how much older is 63? A dyslexic would find this to be a challenging question, and it was one that has set my mind to thinking.
insightbyseymour 