Weekly: There’s more joy
Old Happy: "I'm happy when things go right for me."
New Happy: "I'm happy when things go right for us."
There is one profoundly simple strategy for more happiness that almost no one uses — all because of Old Happy conditioning.
Here it is: Find happiness in other people’s happiness.
In Old Happy culture, we’re taught that we’re separate from other people. That means that, if something good happens to you, it belongs to you and only brings you happiness (and I should be jealous of you, because it means that I didn’t get those good things and the happiness that they bring.)
What that means, though, is that your happiness is entirely dependent on you, and making sure that things going well—for you and for you alone. If you have a setback, or a bad day, or life otherwise doesn’t go how you want it to go, you become unhappy.
But if you see that you are connected to others, then that all changes. Because now, if something good happens to you, it also happens to me. I can find joy in your joys, exactly the same way I would for my own joys.
This perspective shift can completely change your life. It removes so much of the pressure that we put on ourselves to control and achieve and win. When the people in your life succeed, or fall in love, or have a great day at work, or make a difference for someone, or create something beautiful, you get to feel that right alongside them.
So open up to it. Let yourself feel the joy of others as though it was your own—because that's what makes it your own, too.
Tips and Tools
1. So much more — This week's animation.
2. No overnight transformations — It takes time.
3. The story you're telling — Be mindful.
4. Watch out for hollow goals — Old Happy's influence.
5. How it feels — Not how it looks.
More from TNH
Book — Order New Happy today to find true happiness.
Podcast — Get a daily morning pep talk — in five minutes or less
Speaking — Book us to speak to your team about well-being, resilience, and productivity.
Articles — Read more articles on our website.
Community
What is something kind someone has done for you lately?
"Sent me a note with kudos on a job well done after a really big and complicated project."
"A woman at the gym stopped her set just to help me adjust a bench. Made my week!"
"My best friend made me dinner."
"My mother in law came over to play with the baby so I could take a nice, long, uninterrupted nap."
"A friend randomly called me during the day just to check on me. It made me smile."
“My boyfriend hearing me coughing and bringing me a glass of water without asking.”
Before You Go
The Definitive Guide to Happiness
A groundbreaking new approach based on a decade’s worth of research and brought to life with beautiful artwork, New Happy shows you the proven path to happiness.
No spam, just joy.
