The Algebra of Happiness

The Algebra of Happiness outlines the variables in the equation for happiness and how to build them in your life.

Let’s take another look at our previous example. If X + Y = 9, then whatever X and Y are have to add up to be 9. But if X is higher, like 7 or 8, then Y must be lower, at 2 or 1 for X + Y = 9 to be true. The same is true for your life. Playing too much when you’re young leads to having to work a lot when you’re older. But if you sacrifice your time and energy in your youth to work hard, then you can relax in your old age.

It may be too simplistic to only use two variables to describe the equation for happiness, though. There are many variables at play, all of which have tradeoffs. Take someone who works 80-hour weeks, for example. They can’t devote as much time to their relationships as someone only working 40-hours a week. If the person working 80-hours a week were to experience a health crisis, they may end up alone on their deathbed. It’s all about balance.

We must take care of our relationships, too. They are the highest source of joy. Say you do work hard and earn a lot of money. What is it worth without people in your life to enjoy it with? Carefully monitor the tradeoffs you are making at each stage in your life. Doing so will ensure that you always have balance.

What good does money do if you’re not going to enjoy the freedom it earns? It’s hard to let yourself relax after all of your hard work. But doing so is a necessary step in the equation for happiness. Why do you want to make a lot of money? Is it just to be rich or to make enough that you don’t have to keep making more money? If you do it right, you’ll have the freedom to work less and give more time and attention to your relationships and passions. It’s difficult to release your grip on the corporate world because after many years of practice you’re likely at your peak state in your career. If you’re a Type A personality like me, that may sound especially difficult. You’ve not only become the best at what you do, but your drive to constantly improve is also strong. But think hard back to the beginning of your journey. You’ll remember that your family and their happiness is the reason you started all of it in the first place. Relax and enjoy some time with them. One friend of the author named David Carey…