If money doesn’t create happiness, what does?

We all know that you can’t buy happiness. But…

Money eliminates UNhappiness.

At least for the basic costs to support yourself and your family.

So, if your basic needs are met, what then?

Harvard Professor Arthur Brooks says there are four pillars on which a happy life is built:

• Friendship
• Family
• Faith (this does not have to be religious)
• Fulfilling Work

I love this list because it’s a quick checklist I can run through my head when I am making a decision. 

If my choice doesn’t fall into one of these categories, I’m not getting the most bang for my buck.

A lot of happy feelings can be built ON these pillars: Gratitude, self-care, giving, goal achieving, accountability, kindness, meaningful relationships, buying a boat, etc.

But without the foundation of these pillars, everything feels a bit unbalanced. 

When I am feeling like something is missing in my life, I ask myself, “Where is my tank a little low… friendship, family, faith or fulfilling work?”

Give it a try.