Deepak Chopra shared this insight into happiness as a meeting of Harvard MBA’s last year. When asked if money and success brings happiness, he responded with this happiness formula.
H = S + C + V
This is how he explained what the elements meant from his perspective:
S = Is your set point or overall attitude to life. Do you see problems or opportunities? You didn’t ask to be here. Its a big mystery that you are here. Be grateful and embrace life as one full of opportunities. Gratitude resets the set point. This attitude accounts for 50% of your level of happiness
C = Are the conditions of living or financial security. Lottery winners are ecstatic for the first 6 months after winning. And in a year are back to where they were before winning. In 5 years they are more likely to be more miserable as they are become obsessed with their money making more money. Whether you have too much, or too little money, don’t let it take over your life. You won’t have time to live it. This accounts for 10% of your level of happiness
V = Are the voluntary choices or actions you take. Every day you can make a choice. You can choose between pleasure or fulfillment. Pleasure is fun and brings fleeting happiness. Choosing something with meaning brings fulfillment and long lasting happiness. This accounts for 40% of your level of happiness.
Deepak Chopra then goes on on say that fulfillment, meaning and following a higher calling comes down to asking yourself one simple question.
Are you able to make others happy?
He then answers this by saying we positively impact the lives of others by following the 4 A’s
Attention. Listen to others. Give them the gift of your attention.
Appreciation. Notice others strengths and abilities and tell them how much you appreciate what they do.
Affection. Let others know you care.
Acceptance. Accept others. Don’t try to change them.
Can you imagine how his words impacted this audience of future financial and business leaders?
Be grateful. See life as an amazing opportunity.
Live your life. Don’t be obsessed with money.
Try to make others happy every day by following the 4 A’s.
YES 😎
Now take a moment to think about the actions you take during the day. Ask yourself “How can I live more from a place of gratitude and bring awareness to the 4A’s”? Pretty powerful …
* You can see the full presentation on The Future Of Well Being, over at Evolutionary Mystic by clicking here.
Find Your Middle Ground 
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