A rich man went to see a psychologist because despite his wealth, he was not happy. The psychologist gave him three balls – one ceramic, another glass and one rubber. Then he told the man to start juggling them.
The rich man quickly lost control. As he was about to drop the ceramic ball, he let the rubber one fall and bounce. Then he almost lost the glass ball and again let the rubber ball bounce.
The psychologist asked, “Why did you do that?”
“The rubber ball won’t break,” said the rich man. “But the other two will shatter on the ground.”
The psychologist explained: “The balls represent your priorities in life. The ceramic ball represents your family and friends. The glass ball stands for the necessities in life, like your job, house and food. The rubber ball represents the luxuries you enjoy. You can only juggle so may balls, so when you must choose which to drop, let the luxuries go so you can concentrate on what makes you truly happy.”
Happiness can be thought, taught and caught – but not bought. Happiness is not doing what you like – it’s liking what you do.
Achieving happiness is a uniquely personal journey, and what works for one person may not work for another. However, there are some universal principles that can guide you towards a more fulfilling and joyful life:
Cultivate gratitude. Take time each day to reflect on what you are grateful for. This practice can shift your focus from what’s lacking to the abundance in your life.
Build strong relationships. Invest in meaningful relationships with family, friends and colleagues. Strong social connections are a key factor in happiness.
Pursue meaningful goals. Identify what truly matters to you and set goals that align with your values and passions. Achieving these goals can bring a deep sense of satisfaction.
Practice mindfulness. Engage in mindfulness practices such as meditation or yoga to stay present and reduce stress. Being mindful helps you appreciate the moment.
Take care of your health. Regular exercise, a balanced diet and sufficient sleep contribute significantly to your overall happiness and well-being.
Give back. Helping others with acts of kindness and contributing to your community can enhance your sense of purpose and happiness.
Embrace challenges. View challenges as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles. This mindset can lead to greater resilience and happiness.
For many, the New Year is a chance for a new beginning, perhaps best represented by the baby and the old man, symbols of the new and old years since the time of the ancient Greeks.
The fresh-faced cherub connotes so much promise. But so often, a few weeks into the new calendar, the good intentions and hopeful resolutions start to fade. Change is hard and old habits are stubborn. The future starts to look much more like the old man.
Could this year be different? Yes. But only if you resolve to make the effort. Start by taking charge of your life. Not easy, but necessary if you want to make the new year your best year. You don’t have to do what you’ve always done or what everyone else expects from you. Think about what you really want to achieve and why. Then determine how you can make that happen.
Years ago, I met a gentleman named Tom at a networking event. Tom was not particularly wealthy, nor did he hold a high-powered position. However, he exuded a sense of happiness and contentment that was palpable. Curious about his secret, I asked him what made him so happy.
Tom shared that every morning, he took a walk in the park near his home. During these walks, he would focus on the simple pleasures around him – the sound of birds chirping, the sight of children playing and the feel of the sun on his face. He also made it a point to greet everyone he passed with a smile and a kind word.
Tom explained that these small moments of connection and appreciation filled him with joy. He didn’t measure his happiness by his bank account or job title but by the richness of his everyday experiences and relationships.
This encounter taught me that happiness often lies in the simple, everyday moments that we sometimes overlook. By being present and appreciating the little things, we can find joy in the most unexpected places.
Mackay’s Moral: Happiness is often found not in grand achievements, but in the simple moments of life that we choose to cherish.