Smith , to the well-being of our professional members ( and not only to put bread on the table ). What does a life look like that we want to live ? Most probably : successful AND happy .
When I am in front of staff or members talking about our purpose , I love to do this small survey : I ask them to imagine a two-by-two matrix with happiness ( or not ) on the one axis and success ( or not ) on the other . Sure , we all want to be in the successful and happy quadrant , not the unhappy and unsuccessful one . But if they must choose between successful and unhappy , or not successful and happy , which would they choose ?
“ Good relationships keep us healthier and happier . Period .
”
Among younger audiences , the 20-somethings , some choose successful and unhappy ( struggling to believe that success will not necessarily lead to happiness ). But among more mature audiences , almost everybody says they want to be happy ( even if it comes at the cost of success ). If this is so , why are most of us so hell-bent on focusing on our success at the expense of ( neglecting ) our well-being and our happiness ?
So many books have been written on the topics of wellbeing and happiness that it has become a massive field of study . The book review in the previous edition of The Professional was on The Good Life by Robert Waldinger and Marc Schultz . It is about the lessons learnt from the world ’ s longest study on happiness , from Harvard University , that started in 1938 , and still carries on today . It begins with the question : If you had to make one life choice , right now , to set yourself on the path to future health and happiness , what would it be ?
The authors answer it in the first chapter : “ Through all the years of studying many lives , one crucial factor stands out for the consistency and power of its ties to physical health , mental health and longevity . Contrary to what many people think , it is not career achievement , or exercise , or a healthy diet . Do not get us wrong , these things matter ( a lot ). But one thing demonstrates its enduring importance : Good relationships . Good relationships keep us healthier and happier . Period .”
So , if there is one decision , one choice , that will best ensure our well-being and happiness , science tells us that we should cultivate warm relationships . Many of them . Of all kinds . We not only depend on each other for the provision of our ( economic ) needs . We rely on each other also for our mental well-being .
Success is better shared . And success ( and happiness ) also depends on the ability to share – capital , effort , time , empathy , risks . Which is what being part of a mutual society such as PPS is all about .
Izak Smit
11