We’ve all heard countless studies, articles and TV interviews on happiness. But the other day I stumbled upon something that is just now being revealed to the media for the first time.* It’s a 72 year old study that began all the way back in 1937 when 268 Harvard University sophomores were asked to participate in a study measuring “a formula-some mix of love, work, and adaptation-for a good life.” And while many of those who were college sophomores in 1937 are now dying or in their fading twilight, this study continues to be diligently maintained to this very day.
And never before has science been able to report such fascinating and thoroughly time-tested results on happiness. Following are 3 powerful lessons from this study.
1. Have a Healthy Outlet
So many of the people in this study seemed to have all their ducks in a row. In their prime years in the 1950’s and 1960’s, they were making big money in powerful careers. They had beautiful families and lived in idyllic neighborhoods. Oddly enough, later in life, many of these fortunate people ended up breaking down mentally and physically. Why? If one didn’t have a healthy outlet for their fears, nerves, and struggles, it was only a matter of time before repressed demons erupted to the surface. The happiest people in this study had a healthy outlet. They were altruistic or had a rich sense of humor. They funneled their issues into sport, “their lust into courtship.”
It’s something important to consider. As the study proves, a human being can get away with sustaining daily nerves, fears, and doubts for a number of years. But ultimately, such a nervous nelly will crack. If you haven’t already, develop an outlet…find a sport, commit to helping others, lighten up, and laugh more often. A wise one said, “A person without a sense of humor is like a wagon without springs, jolted by every pebble in the road.”
2. Don’t Take Yourself Too Seriously
This study, as reported in Atlantic Magazine, was summed up beautifully by the journalist Joshua Shenk: “Herein lies the key to a good life–not rules to follow, nor problems to avoid– but an engaged humility, an earnest acceptance of life’s pains and promises.”
In other words, one can only carry the burden of a big ego and lots of pride for so long before your proverbial knees will buckle. Don’t take life too seriously. We all have weaknesses. Do you really want to battle your dark side year after year? Or might it just be time to lay down your arms, take a deep breath, and enjoy life. It’s shorter than you think.
3. Happiness Must be Shared
The other night I was watching the movie adaptation of Into the Wild, the true story of Chris McCandless (see above photo which is a self-portrait found undeveloped in McCandless’s camera after his death). Fed up with the rat race, McCandless graduated college in the early 1990′s, left his worried parents in the dust, sold all his belongings, and ventured deep into the Alaskan wilderness. Before dying of starvation, he seemed to regret his isolationist ways and wrote these last words in his journal, “Happiness only real when shared.” According to the 72 year old study, McCandless was spot on. In the study, those who spent too much alone time ultimately struggled. The happiest subjects in the study were those who sustained meaningful, healthy relationships with friends and family. One can never give enough hugs, say enough “I love you’s,” and send enough “I miss you’s.”
As I emphasize in my book and to my own crazy self each and every day: Livin’ the good life is not fancy trips, and expensive jewels, and high brow country clubs. Rather, livin’ the good life is livin’ the moment!
*This study was reported in the media for the first time by ATLANTIC MAGAZINE, June 2009
My Playlist from 6-23-09
Om Namah Shivaya Wade Morissette
Reggae Got Soul Toots & The Maytals
Streets of Freedom The Gladiators
Stayin in Love Raphael Saadicq
The Wanting Comes in Waves The Decemberists
Reply Laura T,
You are rite Dave is full of it…. Full of insight and inspiration…. Im sorry to read your sad story however life is not perfect…Sometimes life will give you lemons and it is up to you to make lemonaid… You seem very worried about what might happen in the next 6 months or year……The title of the book is LIVIN THE MOMENT …at the moment everyone is being taken care of … Try that Planet …
David, this message rings true. I recently watched “Into the Wild ” for a second time, and was reminded that although he sought relationship..i.e. the people he worked for and shared with, the man that did the leather work, he semed to feel that in order to truly experience things he be alone, I’m actually glad that he disproved himself, and perhaps set an example for others…I felt so sad for his loving sister narrating the story, but I did enjoy when he told the young girl at the camp “if she wants somethiing she needs to reach out and grab it” Live the Moment for sure………don’t lock away your spirit.
I read and loved this article in The Atlantic. What a great magazine, huh?
Yeah Dave- Delighfully surprised that the information is available from studies in the archives but we seemed to keep missing it. Keep finding hidden jewels that make so much sense and share more with us. I’m impressed.
David – as always, loved it
Thanks for these daily doses of inspiration and feel good vibes… always a nice little break to the chaotic work day. See ya soon xoxo Jean
Thanks Dave for taking the time to continue in this – for us and for yourself. As always i hope this note finds you healthy, wealthy and wise. For anyone who has not yet seen the movie, Into the Wild, it is totally worth it. If you are a seeker of simple truth and/or a bit of a freebird with the West always calling to you then you’ll really enjoy it.
And if you’ve not done it yet buy Dave’s book. Really enjoyable read with many of these large thoughts put forward in a way that any person can relate. Very funny too, if you like to laugh that is. If you don’t like to laugh then grab a shovel and start digging.
-Keith V.