The Algebra of Happiness

1. Success is a product of hunger, resilience, and strategic risk-taking

Serendipity is a function of courage.

Hunger drives success. While talent is essential, it's not enough to guarantee success in a world where millions of talented individuals compete for resources. The differentiating factor is hunger – a combination of ambition, drive, and the willingness to take risks.

Resilience is crucial. Success often comes after multiple failures. The ability to bounce back from setbacks, learn from mistakes, and persist in the face of adversity is a key characteristic of successful individuals. This resilience is often built through experience and a growth mindset.

Strategic risk-taking pays off. Taking calculated risks, especially in your career and investments, can lead to significant rewards. This includes:

• Being willing to start your own business
• Changing career paths when necessary
• Investing in yourself through education and skill development
• Making bold moves in your industry or field

2. Choose your life partner wisely - it's the most important decision

The key decision you'll make in life is who you have kids with.

Partnership impacts everything. Your choice of life partner affects your emotional well-being, financial stability, and overall life satisfaction. It's crucial to choose someone who shares your values, supports your goals, and complements your personality.

Compatibility matters. Look for alignment in key areas:

• Values and life goals
• Approach to finances and career
• Attitudes towards family and parenting
• Communication styles and conflict resolution

Long-term perspective. When choosing a partner, consider not just the present, but how the relationship might evolve over time. Look for someone who can grow with you and adapt to life's changes.

3. Family and relationships are the true measure of success

Death, disease, and divorce leave a lot of kids in single-parent households, where the odds are markedly worse for them.

Prioritize family. While career success is important, true fulfillment often comes from strong family relationships. Invest time and energy in nurturing these connections, as they provide long-lasting emotional support and life satisfaction.

Be present for your children. Active parenting and emotional involvement in your children's lives can have a profound impact on their development and future success. This includes:

• Spending quality time together
• Showing affection and support
• Being involved in their education and activities
• Teaching important life skills and values

Foster extended family connections. Maintain relationships with parents, siblings, and other relatives. These connections provide a sense of belonging and can be a source of support during challenging times.

4. Invest early in your career, finances, and personal growth

The slope of the trajectory for your career is (unfairly) set in the first five years post-graduation.

Early career investments pay off. The effort and dedication you put into your career in the early years can significantly impact your long-term success. This includes:

• Working long hours to gain experience
• Taking on challenging projects to develop skills
• Building a strong professional network
• Continuously learning and adapting to industry changes

Financial planning is crucial. Start saving and investing as early as possible to benefit from compound interest. This includes:

• Contributing to retirement accounts
• Building an emergency fund
• Investing in a diversified portfolio
• Avoiding unnecessary debt

Personal growth is ongoing. Invest in your personal development through:

• Reading and continuous learning
• Seeking mentorship and guidance
• Developing new skills and hobbies
• Practicing self-reflection and self-improvement

5. Embrace authenticity and vulnerability as you age

As we get older we become more like ourselves, and I'm getting more comfortable with raw emotions and the potential collateral damage.

Authenticity breeds connection. As you age, embrace your true self and be willing to show vulnerability. This authenticity can lead to deeper, more meaningful relationships and a greater sense of personal fulfillment.

Emotional openness is strength. Allowing yourself to experience and express emotions, including crying, can be beneficial for mental health and personal growth. It's a sign of maturity and self-awareness, not weakness.

Legacy and impact. As you age, focus on the impact you want to have on others and the world. This might involve:

• Mentoring younger colleagues
• Volunteering or philanthropy
• Sharing your wisdom and experiences
• Creating something lasting (e.g., writing, art, business)

6. Prioritize physical and mental health for long-term success

The trait most common among CEOs is that they exercise regularly.

Physical health is foundational. Regular exercise, proper nutrition, and adequate sleep are crucial for maintaining energy, focus, and resilience in both personal and professional life. Establish healthy habits early and maintain them throughout life.

Mental health is equally important. Prioritize your mental well-being through:

• Stress management techniques (e.g., meditation, mindfulness)
• Seeking professional help when needed
• Maintaining work-life balance
• Nurturing supportive relationships

Preventive care matters. Regular check-ups and screenings can catch potential health issues early. Stay proactive about your health to ensure long-term success and quality of life.

7. Practice gratitude and kindness to enhance life satisfaction

Nobody ever says at a funeral, "He was too generous, too kind, and much too loving."

Gratitude improves well-being. Regularly expressing gratitude can lead to increased happiness, better relationships, and improved mental health. Practice gratitude by:

• Keeping a gratitude journal
• Expressing appreciation to others
• Reflecting on positive experiences daily

Kindness benefits everyone. Acts of kindness not only help others but also improve your own well-being. Make kindness a habit by:

• Volunteering for causes you care about
• Performing random acts of kindness
• Supporting friends and family in need
• Practicing empathy and understanding

Positive impact creates legacy. Focus on making a positive impact on the lives of others. This can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment that extends beyond personal success.

8. Balance ambition with personal fulfillment and relationships

We like to think genetics are number one, so we can abdicate responsibility for abusing our bodies, since "the die has been cast." No, it hasn't.

Define success holistically. While career success is important, true fulfillment comes from a balance of professional achievements, personal relationships, and self-care. Regularly reassess your priorities to ensure you're not sacrificing important aspects of life for career advancement.

Set boundaries. Learn to say no to professional commitments that don't align with your values or long-term goals. Protect time for family, friends, and personal interests.

Cultivate diverse interests. Develop hobbies and interests outside of work to maintain a well-rounded life and prevent burnout. This can also lead to new perspectives and creativity in your professional life.

9. Adapt to changing circumstances and learn from failures

Nobody starts their career passionate about tax law. But great tax lawyers are passionate about colleagues who admire them, creating economic security for their families, and marrying someone more impressive than they are.

Embrace change. Be willing to adapt your goals and strategies as circumstances change. This flexibility can help you navigate career transitions, personal challenges, and unexpected opportunities.

Learn from failures. View failures as learning opportunities rather than setbacks. Analyze what went wrong, adapt your approach, and use the experience to inform future decisions.

Develop transferable skills. Focus on building skills that can be applied across various industries and roles. This adaptability can help you remain relevant in a rapidly changing job market.

10. Cultivate meaningful connections and be a positive influence

The fastest-growing demographic is centenarians. How can you live to be one hundred? Easy. Have good genetics, live a healthy lifestyle, and love others.

Invest in relationships. Cultivate deep, meaningful connections with family, friends, and colleagues. These relationships provide emotional support, personal growth opportunities, and a sense of belonging.

Be a mentor and a mentee. Share your knowledge and experiences with others while remaining open to learning from those around you. This exchange of wisdom can lead to personal growth and professional development.

Create a positive legacy. Focus on how you can positively impact the lives of others, whether through your work, personal relationships, or community involvement. This sense of purpose can provide fulfillment and contribute to a life well-lived.

Last updated: September 2, 2024