What is Happiness?

Good question?  And, what does it have to do with property investing?  Well, let me see if I can make a tie in …

Birthday Gift

For my birthday last month I received some very nice gifts; one was a book called “Gittinomic$” written by a man named Ross Gittins.  Basically, it’s a book about economics by an economists; he’s also a writer for some of the biggest newspapers in Australia.

I just finished reading it, and I’d highly recommend it to everyone.  I didn’t always agree with his opinions and I found his tone of voice sometimes too strong (e.g. passing off opinion as if it were fact!) but, it’s good (my opinion!).  And, it got me thinking and got me looking at things from a different perspective.

But, the chapter I found the most engaging and the most enlightening is the last chapter.  Chapter 15 titled “Happiness.”

In my opinion, everyone could benefit from reading this chapter.  It’s was a real eye-opener for me; a real wake-up; a real bring me back to earth message.

I Used to Know How …

While reading the chapter I couldn’t help but think that I used to know – long ago – about happiness.  I remember back to when I was young and playing with my friends.  We were happy.  No one had to teach us how to be happy, we just knew how on our own.  It seems to have come naturally.

Now that I’m an adult, I don’t seem to have as much natural – instinctive – happiness.  Maybe I’m trying too hard?  Or, maybe I’m playing the wrong game?

Mr Gittins gave me some ideas to ponder …

Recommended Reading

Yes, I believe you should read the chapter on Happiness.  But, if you don’t have time for the whole chapter then I’d like to share with you a particular section that really struck me hard.

Ross Gittins talks about a leading scholar, professor Ed Diener of the University of Illinois, who’s a social scientist working on – get this – happiness research.  Anyway, Professor Diener’s research came up with 3 ‘steps people can take to ensure they are as happy as they can be.’

Warning

I’ll tell you the three steps but first let me warn you – not one of them has to do with money!  Amazing!  Maybe that’s my problem; I sometimes try to correlate money with happiness.  Could my logic be flawed?

3 Step to Happiness.

So, here they are; the 3 steps to happiness (short form; read the book for the juicy details!):

STEP 1: Have/get good friends and family.  Ensure you have loving, intimate relationships – people who care deeply about you and who you care deeply about.

STEP 2:  Involve yourself in activities that you enjoy and value.

STEP 3:  Control how you look at the world.  Train yourself not to get worked up about trivial hassles.  Focus on your goals and always count your blessings.

Well, that it.  Now you know the secret(s) to happiness.

As I read “the steps” in the book I realized something; I knew these steps already.  I guess in the process of growing up and becoming an adult, I must have forgotten them along the way.  Consequently, I haven’t been as happy as I could have been over the years.  Too bad.  Now, I’ll just have to make up for lost time and make a point to be a lot happier from now on!

What does this have to do with property investing?

I’m not sure … maybe happy people make better property investors?  What do you reckon?

How, did I do with my tie-in; how this article ties in with property investing?  I agree – I failed.  Oh well!