Three Golden Rules of Happiness

Lisa Franchi March 11, 2016

Happiness is something we all want to achieve even when we were still little until now that we have grown up. But the chase for happiness seems to get harder as years go by. You probably still remember the days when just a few candies or a cupcake makes you jump in joy. But as you grow older, you realise that happiness is more than indulging in your favourite candy or receiving a new toy on Christmas. Happiness becomes a complex thing. So complex that you don’t even know what actually makes you happy.

At first you thought graduating in college is the happiest thing ever. Then you felt sad and realised that landing in your dream job is actually what will make you feel fulfilled. But as you face the reality of corporate world, you felt even sadder. You quit your job. And then you don’t know what to do next.

The world of a grownup is indeed a roller coaster ride. It has lots of ups and downs, and twists and turns. But this doesn’t mean that you can never be happy. Actually, no matter where you are now - or what point in your life - you can be happy. You just have to follow the three golden rules of happiness.

DO what you love.

Most people live their life wanting to be happy but don’t actually do anything to pursue their real passion. The question is - how can you be happy when you don’t do what you love? This is the basic yet most important rule of happiness. Unfortunately, many people are too scared to step out of their comfort zone, take risk, and do what they love.

Aim for what you need.

There’s a big difference between what you want and what you need. Many people spend most of their lifetime trying to earn a living - thinking that having a big house, a nice car, and all sorts of riches is what will make them happy. It doesn’t mean that you just settle for less. There’s nothing wrong with aiming for a little more. But it doesn’t have to be to the point that you have sacrificed everything already just to get all you want. We can live without our wants. But we can’t live without meeting our needs. Prioritise your needs. And ask yourself - do you really need a big house to live a comfortable life? Do you need a luxury car to get where you are going? You can choose to aim higher and live a life that those people in the magazines do. But you can choose to live a simple life that is free from glamour but full of love and happiness.

Relationships matter.

No man is an island. We are all social beings who are in great need of companionship. Invest on relationships, not on material things. Spend more time with your friends and family. Give yourself a chance to know more people, inspire others, and be part of their life. Did you know that one of the top regrets of the dying is not spending more time with their loved ones? Don’t wait for the time that you have nothing but regrets over the time you’ve wasted. Genuine relationships are the most precious thing you can ever have. They are priceless.

Start applying these three golden rules and bring in more happiness in your life.