The Law of Happiness by Dr. Henry Cloud

Law of Happiness, The: How Spiritual Wisdom and Modern Science Can Change Your Life by Dr. Henry Cloud (Dec 27 2011) - According to Dr. Cloud our happiness is roughly divided into three broad categories with different weights attached to them based on the best available research.

• Genetic set point (50%)
• Circumstances (10%) - this condition is temporary (The new car smell wears off)
• Practices (40% - Activities under people's full control

People and society focus on chasing the 10%. These are the "if only's."  If only I get this article published, I get this new house, I get this raise, or I win the lottery will I be happy. These changes will temporarily move the needle up a maximum of 10% before dropping back to the natural resting state.  

The thirteen principals of happiness captured by Robert Wainner at Coach 4 Leadership deal with the 40% of practices that are under our control.

I'm going to condense them into smaller number.

1. Pursue your purpose and set meaningful goals allowing time for focused attention to achieve a state of flow while being fully present. 
2. Be grateful and count your blessings without comparing to others.
3. Fully engage in relationships while being selective about who you allow in your life.
4. Give within your means with joy and purpose. Forgive to free yourself from the burden of unforgiveness.
5. Guard what you think and talk about as this will shape your future.
6. Develop a faith with a solid foundation tested by circumstances.

 

Math of Happiness - 8 minutes