The world of marketing and media constantly inundate us with products and services that will make us happy.

As I browse online, read my emails or waste my time on Facebook adverts pop up from nowhere.

Marketing gurus help companies to trade in happiness and social media is the platform in which they intrude on our daily lives.

A great quote from the Mad Men TV series encapsulates how marketing attempts to tap into our feelings.

“Happiness is the smell of a new car. It’s freedom from fear. It’s a billboard on the side of the road that screams reassurance that whatever you are doing is ok. You are ok.” Don Draper – Mad Men

The pursuit of Happiness 

Recent studies suggest money does indeed buy happiness. They suggest money spent on things aligned with our values appears to enhance health and wellbeing.

Other studies suggest the measure of happiness is not financial or material. It’s more about humanistic values such as relationships, community, ethics, morals and personal characteristics.

Happiness as an emotion is a transient experience. We all have good days, great days, and bad days. Sometimes all in one afternoon!

What does it mean?

Maybe happiness is more determined by purpose and meaning powerfully driven by a values-laden guidance system. We all have one!

In a Survey of Life study, established some years ago by the University of Wollongong, particular life principles were identified as a guide for participants to measure their life satisfaction.

These principles can be found in the info graphic below. There are 60 of them so take your time to scan them.

The researchers established the top 10 life principles chosen by participants as most important They were:

• Having genuine and close friendships
• Being loyal to friends, family and community
• Maintaining the safety and security of loved ones
• Having relationships involving love and affection
• Feeling good about myself
• Striving to be a better person
• Experiencing positive emotions
• Being honest
• Having an enjoyable leisure life
• Being safe from danger

The top 10 life principles identified as being the most difficult and stressful to uphold included:

• Meeting my obligations
• Being ambitious and hard working
• Being physically fit
• Showing respect to parents and elders
• Eating healthy food
• Being honest
• Being self sufficient
• Striving to be a better person
• Being competent and effective
• Being safe from danger

Where are you heading?

Here’s a task. Put the kettle on and sit comfortably!

• Take a closer look again at the Life Principles in the info graphic above.
• Identify which values are important and relevant to you.
• Recognise which principles you are living by right now in your life.
• Identify which ones you want to improve.
• Are there new ones you want to adopt?

This exercise may give some ideas of where you’re heading.

Of the hundreds of happiness quotes out there this one may resonate with pursuing happiness that may help us to live a fulfilling and meaningful life.

Which Life Principles are important to you?

Let me know in the comments section below