How to be Happy

With a title like that you’d think I was writing a self-help blog. And maybe in a roundabout way I am. Recently, I was preparing a talk on the responsibilities leaders have for creating environments where their people can thrive, and I discovered this TED talk on how the Gallup organization measures well-being in folks.

Not surprising were the categories around career (you like what you do), relationships (you’ve got a lot of love in your life), physical (managing your genetic burden and energy to accomplish what you want), and financial (meeting needs and affecting security).

What was surprising was the evidence measuring community–you like where you live and you contribute toward making it a better place. Gallup says this one measurement above all the others was the differentiator between a good life, and a great life.

I happen to live in a mid-size city, and over the 13+ years I have lived here I have been repeatedly inspired by enthusiastic citizens in my city engaging in events, fundraisers, protests, public forums, parades, and volunteering to make our city a great place to live.

Want to improve your happiness factor? Choose to invest your time in a way to make your community a great place to live!