Faith, family, friendship, and work are four essential pillars for happiness, according to Arthur C. Brooks.
The New Year invites reflection on past experiences and setting future aspirations. A common goal is seeking greater happiness, and Arthur C. Brooks, co-author of Build The Life You Want: The Art and Science of Getting Happier (co-written with Oprah Winfrey) understands this well.
This past year, we've explored ways to enhance our work-life balance and increase happiness. Many Americans are reassessing the pursuit of joy in both professional and personal realms. A 2022 Gallup poll revealed a crisis of unhappiness, marking a post-pandemic low.
However, there’s a glimmer of hope. The World Happiness Report now ranks the US as the 15th happiest nation, showing slight improvement from last year’s 16th place. Let’s maintain this momentum and kick off 2024 with a fresh perspective — a happiness reset.
According to Brooks, achieving happiness revolves around nurturing four key areas: faith, family, friendship, and work. While these may vary in significance for each individual, he notes that those who prioritize them daily tend to experience greater joy. Importantly, work should not merely focus on financial gain; it’s about creating value, achieving personal success, and serving others.
Brooks highlights the importance of genuine friendships, distinguishing between “real friends” and “deal friends.” Real friends contribute significantly to happiness, whereas deal friends are merely acquaintances. Cultivating authentic relationships requires time and effort but pays off immensely in terms of mental well-being.
LISTEN: Shaping Your Authentic Self
If financial goals dominate your 2024 plans, Brooks warns that debt can severely diminish happiness. The only exception is mortgage debt, as it signifies progress toward ownership of an appreciating asset. “The best financial gift you can give yourself this year is to eliminate your credit card balances,” he advises. “Get out of debt as much as possible for a more fulfilling year.”
In the Mailbag segment, we address a listener's inquiry about prioritizing post-layoff financial stability during pregnancy, and another question from a concerned aunt seeking advice for her nephew recently released from prison. This week’s money tip suggests that if you’re a Boomer with a paid-off mortgage, now may be an ideal time to sell.
