I think it is fair to say that everyone wants to increase their happiness in life. As humans, we naturally avoid things that make us feel bad, make us upset, or cause us pain. Even when we purposefully cause ourselves discomfort, like through hard workouts, we do so knowing it will make life easier/better/happier in the long run.
So, this begs the question. How do we increase our happiness in life? Maybe a better job, more money, or buying a new car? Unfortunately, these things will not increase long term happiness. Sure, we might feel happy for a short period of time. I certainly feel happy when I buy a new gadget or a new watch. I feel a sense of happiness when I see my bank account grow because I made more money. However, there are multiple studies out there demonstrating that making more money only increases happiness to a point. It’s not long lasting and it ultimately leaves us wanting more.
3 Long Term Paths To Increase Happiness
Alternatively, there are three paths to increase long term happiness. These three paths to happiness last because they are fulfilling to our basic human needs. These three paths are:
1. Showing gratitude for what you have,
2. Giving back through service, and
3. Creating long lasting relationships with other people.
Let’s Give Back Through Service
At IA, we provide opportunities to give back through service by organizing opportunities to volunteer. We’ve helped clean up trails in the woods, deliver food to the underprivileged, and more. And, we are doing it again.
Coming up in September, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is hosting an Suicide Awareness Walk here in Pittsburgh. It is on September 10th and IA will be there. We are not only going to be walking, however. We are also going to volunteer to help organize and facilitate the walk. This is an opportunity for you to give back through service to Pittsburgh, those in need of help, and to a wonderful organization.
If you are interested in joining us, please sign up at the gym. There is a signup sheet on our refrigerator. As always, the more the merrier. If you aren’t able to make it to the Walk, and/or want to help in other ways, we are selling special IA t-shirts for the event. All profits will be donated to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Help us do what we do best: Show up and get the work done!
