It is true, with age comes wisdom. With that, you change perception on career, friends, life and how you want to live it. When we’re young time seems endless as those hot summer days. Then life comes and kicks our butts a bit and we learn that time is not our friend. It also teaches us that accumulating more things doesn’t fulfill is either.
This is why we need to put resources towards other things like experiencing life. Psychology professor at Cornell University has been studying the link between attaining material possessions verses experiences. Dr. Thomas Gilovich has conducted a study two decades researching what really makes us happy.
Material thing have limited happiness. For example we get excited when we buy a new car, but after awhile we lose that enthusiasm, especially with the car payment! Why is this?
The newness wears off, and so does the fun. As this fades we look for something else to keep our happiness meter on full. This never works. The new shoes you buy may feel good at the moment, but it never really lasts. We want happiness to be on a continuum.
“You can really like your material stuff. You can even think that part of your identity is connected to those things, but nonetheless they remain separate from you. In contrast, your experiences really are part of you. We are the sum total of our experiences,” he reportedly shared.
This adaption never mounts to lasting happiness. Here are the following reasons. There is no connection to the material things like going on a natural outing and spending time with people you love. Save money to go exploring a different country or state. Make this part of the happiness plan to see new things in life. You will remember a trip more than a new bag and it can even help you grow as a person. This has a lasting impact for years to come.
Do a hobby you love. If you love horses, paining, writing, or sailing start taking lessons. An experience will keep gifting you, unlike other things. It opens you up to a new world and opportunities like friends, cultures, and learning more about yourself. It is better for everyone and experiences don’t need to be fancy. They can like we suggested taking a hiking trip, or visiting a museum. Forbes writer Ilya Pozin concurred with this strategy of finding lasting happiness.
“Small expenditures of money involving social interactions such as dining out, getting a manicure with friends, going to a concert or meeting up for drinks are a great way to de-stress, have a great time and create lasting memories. Little bits of happiness add up and when spread out, last a lot longer!”
We can do this, right?
This is an example of filling of the happiness meter without going broke. The knowledge that you learn from researching different experiences will educate you and build excitement. This sparks a new energy and life within.
New experiences open the mind to other things you never thought of pursuing. This could be going skiing, scuba diving, or taking a ride to a small town to have lunch in. This brings excitement with lasting memories. Even if the trip was bad, there could be an adventurous story to tell. Give your time and money to help others achieve their dreams, and experiences. There is research that shows that people who give more are happier.
If people didn’t give the world would be even more chaotic.
When we give we are happier, and if you sow you will reap. Happiness comes from giving.
“In my life I've learned that true happiness comes from giving. Helping others along the way makes you evaluate who you are. I think that love is what we're all searching for. I haven't come across anyone who didn't become a better person through love.” -Marla Gibbs
Add giving to others as part of the the happiness plan!
