We all know that money can't buy happiness, but many times we act as if we were happier with a bit more money. We are conditioned to want to be rich (when we know the rich aren't happy either) ; we are trained to want the latest gadget (a small tool) or style that television tells us to want; we want to earn more money because then we'll have a good life.
But none of them will bring us happiness. No matter how much we earn, no matter how much we have in the bank, no matter how nice our clothing or cars or toys, none of them will make us happier. And the sad thing is that it could take us decades to pursue wealth and luxurious (奢侈) items before we realize this.
So what will bring us happiness? Luckily, it's these three things that don't cost a thing. These three things have been proven by surveys of hundreds of thousands of people about what they have, what their lives are like, and how happy they are.
Here they are, the Three Secrets to Happiness:
1. Good relationships. We have a human need to be close to and to be intimate with other human beings. Having good and supportive friendships, a strong marriage or close and loving relationships with our family members will make us much more likely to be happy.
Action steps: Take time, today, to spend time with your loved ones, to tell them what they mean to you, to listen to them, and to develop your relationships with them.
2. Positive thinking. I'm obviously a big supporter of positive thinking as the best way to achieve your goals, and it turns out that it can lead to happiness too. Optimism and self-esteem are some of the best indicators of people who lead happy lives. Happy people feel empowered, take control of their lives, and have a positive outlook on life.
Action steps: Make positive thinking a habit. In fact, this should be one of the first habits you develop. Get into the habit of getting rid of all negative thoughts and replacing them with positive ones. Instead of "I can't", think "I can". It may sound silly, but it works for me, every time.
3. Flow. This is a popular concept on the Internet these days－a state we enter when we are completely focused on the work or task before us. We are so buried in our task that we lose track of time. Having work and leisure that get you in this state of flow will almost undoubtedly lead to happiness. People find greatest enjoyment not when they're passively mindless, but when they're absorbed in a mindful challenge.
Action steps: Find work that you have a passion for. Seriously－this is an extremely important step. Find hobbies that you have a passion for. Turn off the TV－this is the opposite of flow－and go outside and do something that truly engages you.
You've been given the Three Secrets to Happiness. Don't waste them!
1. What are the three secrets leading to happiness according to the passage?
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2. Who does the author write this passage for?
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3. What should we do to keep positive thinking?
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4. Why does the author say that watching TV is the opposite of flow?
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