Keeping your fuel tank full is important. Running on empty puts you at risk of getting stranded and can impact your health.
Philosophers, theologians and psychologists have long sought to define happiness. More than just positive mood, some theories of happiness include a sense of meaning and depth of contentment.
1. Invest in yourself
When people think of investing in themselves, they often imagine acquiring properties or improving their finances. However, there are many other ways to invest in yourself.
One way to invest in yourself is to follow your passions and hobbies. This can lead to a number of benefits, including increased confidence, improved discipline, and new skills. For example, if you want to learn how to draw, you can take classes or join a club. You can also try your hand at other arts like music and dance.
Another important aspect of self-investment is setting goals and making them a priority. Putting your goals in writing is similar to creating a grocery list; it gives you a clear idea of what you need to achieve and helps you avoid wasting time.
2. Invest in others
For many people, happiness equates to a sense of connection. Whether they crave a simple life of high quality relationships or are driven to create something of value, they believe that the more connected they feel, the happier they will be.
Interestingly, research suggests that giving back to others can also provide a huge boost in happiness. In a recent episode of HBS Working Knowledge, Michael Norton shared some fascinating research that shows when it comes to prosocial spending, you’ll get the biggest bang for your happiness buck by investing in those closest to you.
Think about your own personal happiness 401k and begin making small deposits now. Over time, your future self and those around you will reap the rewards. The sooner you start, the more significant the ROI will be.
3. Invest in your relationships
Research has found that people derive a greater happiness payoff from investing in “strong ties” (significant others, close friends and immediate family members) than they do from spending money or time on “weak ties.” This is probably because strong ties give us lasting happiness.
This is why it’s important to take a moment every now and then to assess how you’re doing in your relationships. It’s kind of like reviewing your portfolio on New Year’s Day or your birthday, but it will have more impact. A great place to start is by asking yourself how many of your relationships are thriving and which ones are not. Then, work on making those that are thriving stronger.
4. Invest in your health
Your health is one of the most important investments you can make. Taking care of your body will help you live longer and will prevent diseases that can be fatal. A good way to invest in your health is to practice healthy habits like getting enough sleep and exercising regularly. You should also get vaccinated to protect yourself against deadly viruses and illnesses.
Meditation is another great way to fill your happiness tank. It trains your mind and body to be calm and relaxed, no matter what is going on around you. Think about it – would you rather be at the 7 level of happiness for a long time or jump up to 9 quickly?
5. Invest in your future
When your happiness tank is low, you’re less open to positive emotions. This can cause your life to hiccup, stutter and stop running smoothly. When you’re happy, you have more of a flow and can creatively solve problems that come up.
Investing in your future is one way to keep your happiness tank full. This could include pursuing education through online courses or certifications. It might also mean exploring your own unique passions and interests. It’s important to set intrinsic goals and extrinsic goals that align with your values.
Lastly, it’s important to avoid feeding negativity. Negative thoughts and words create a negative cycle that can be difficult to break. Try to reframe any negative thoughts you have as clean fuel instead of dirty fuel.