Happiness isn't hard to find

There once was a farmer who won the award for the best wheat in the county every year. One day, a woman asked him the secret to his success. He told her that the key is to share his best seeds with his neighbors so they could plant good wheat as well.

The woman asked, "How can you share your best wheat seed with your neighbors when they compete with you every year?"

"That's simple," the farmer replied. "The wind spreads the pollen from everyone's wheat and carries it from field to field. If my neighbors grow inferior wheat, cross-pollination will degrade everyone's wheat, including mine. If I'm to grow the best wheat, I must help my neighbors grow the best wheat as well."

This is not only good advice for growing the best crops, but also excellent advice for how to live your life. If you want to live a meaningful and happy life, help others find happiness.

I love the saying, "If you want happiness for an hour, take a nap. If you want happiness for a day, go fishing. If you want happiness for a year, inherit a fortune. If you want happiness for a lifetime, help someone else."

Happiness is incredibly important. That's why August is National Happiness Month. It is not just a fleeting emotion or a byproduct of success. It is a state of mind that can significantly influence both your personal and professional lives. I often say that happiness is not a spectator sport — you must actively participate in the pursuit of your own joy. It is a powerful force that can shape your outlook on life, your interactions with others and your overall well-being.

"Happiness is an inside job," said New York Times best-selling author Mandy Hale. "Don't assign anyone else that much power over your life."

The pursuit of happiness is a personal journey, and what brings joy to one person may differ for another. However, there are several universal strategies that can help you obtain happiness.

Some of the insights that I've found to be effective include:

Choose to be positive. Cultivate a positive outlook and focus on the good in your life. Develop an attitude of gratitude. Regularly reflect on and appreciate the things and people you're thankful for. With a positive attitude, you are better equipped to bounce back from setbacks and maintain a hopeful perspective. Also, a positive mindset can lead to greater productivity and success. When you are happy, you are more engaged, creative and motivated to achieve your goals.

Incorporate humor into your life. Life is too short to be serious all the time. Look for humor in everyday situations and allow yourself to laugh. Use humor as a tool for hope, signaling that better times are ahead and that you can handle life's challenges.

Be helpful and kind. Volunteer and help others. Engaging in acts of kindness and volunteering can boost your mood and lead to a happier life. Compliment and thank others. Recognizing the value in others can enhance your relationships and bring joy to both you and them.

Choose joy. Every day, you have the choice to seek out and embrace joy. Make the conscious decision to pursue activities and thoughts that make you happy. At the same time, avoid self-pity, worry and complaining. These negative tendencies can sap your happiness. Work on eliminating them to make room for more joy in your life.

Follow your enthusiasm. Be open to taking detours on your roadmap to happiness. Your enthusiasm may lead you to unexpected and fulfilling places. Enthusiasm is the spark that ignites our lives.

Happiness also has been linked to better health outcomes. When you are happy, you are likely to experience less stress, which can contribute to a stronger immune system and a lower risk of chronic diseases. 

Happiness is not a destination; it is a way of life. It is about enjoying the journey and making the most of the moments you have. By actively engaging in these practices, you can create a happier and more fulfilling life for yourself.

Mackay's Moral: Happiness is like a kiss — you must share it to enjoy it.

• • •

Harvey Mackay is the author of the New York Times bestseller "Swim With the Sharks Without Being Eaten Alive." He can be reached through his website, www.harveymackay.com, by emailing harvey@mackay.com or by writing him at MackayMitchell Envelope Co., 2100 Elm St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414.