I just started reading, “The Art of Spending Money: Simple Choices for a Richer Life” by Morgan Housel. I’m finding some great words of wisdom from the Introduction and Chapter 1.
I think back to my days of teaching HHS125, when I asked my students what they wanted most from life. The most common answer was, “To be happy.” And I would bet that most people would share that they want the same things as well (Side note: Not me, I prefer contentment over happiness).
In the book, he shares that Carl Jung, one of the most influential psychologists to ever live, was once asked, “What do you consider to be the basic factors making happiness in the human mind?” According to Housel, here are his answers:
- Physical and Mental Health: Good health forms a foundation for experiencing joy and well-being.
- Strong Relationships: Meaningful connections with family, friends, and partners are crucial for social and emotional happiness.
- Appreciation of Beauty: The ability to perceive beauty in art and nature enhances life’s richness.
- Satisfactory Work and Living: A reasonable standard of living and fulfilling work contribute to a sense of purpose and accomplishment.
- Philosophical or Religious Outlook: A worldview that helps individuals cope with life’s challenges and find meaning is considered important.
For more detailed information about the factors of happiness, check out this article: “Jung’s Five Pillars of a Good Life” by Arthur C. Brooks – https://www.aei.org/op-eds/jungs-five-pillars-of-a-good-life/.
As I read over the list, there are two things that stand out for me: (1) money is not on the list, and (2) these factors for happiness are similar to the factors I found for living with purpose. I would argue that money should be used as a tool for exploring purpose, not as the sole reason for living.
In my work, I have found these seven factors are most important to live with purpose (and are the foundation for my Purpose Quest Activity):
- Connection (connected to #2): Pursue and cultivate deep, meaningful relationships with people, groups, and communities that provide mutual support and growth (i.e., spouse/life partner; parents; children; family; friends).
- Legacy (connected to #4): Provide specific ways to help the world, leave something behind, create a lasting impact on future generations, or contributes to the benefit of humankind (i.e., job/occupation; motivational speeches/videos; publish a book; mentoring; board membership at non-profit; philanthropic activities).
- Expressive (similar to #3): Seek out creative pursuits that are appealing, adventures that produce awe and wonder, and/or rewarding experiences that bring joy to yourself and to others (i.e., painting; dancing; listening to music; walking in nature; visiting a museum; watching a sunset; laughter).
- Accomplishment (connected to #1 and #4): Pursue value-driven personal and professional goals that arise from challenges, aspirations, and sense of fulfillment, which are deeply intertwined with personal growth, character development, and endeavors that benefit others (i.e., setting and achieving personal goals, health/wellness goals, financial goals, academic goals, etc.).
- Religion/Personal Philosophy (connected to #5): Follow religious/spiritual practices and/or develop philosophical beliefs that help you interpret the world and your place in it, connects you to a higher power, and/or provides a guide to the “good life.” (i.e., religious practices/traditions; scriptures; life motto; faith principles; relationship with higher power).
- Enrichment (connected to #1): Engage in learning activities that enhance your growth, allow you to practice your craft, and/or encourages self-development/self-improvement (i.e., hobbies; arts and crafts; reading; learning an instrument; playing a sport).
- Service (connected to #4): Unselfishly use your time, talents, and resources to care for, give support to, and/or help others in need to give back to your community and make a difference (i.e., provide caregiver/caretaker service; volunteer at non-profit; clean up trash at park).
Bottom line, if you’re searching for happiness, go on a Purpose Quest!