What is happiness?

Finland often tops the world happiness charts, which most people probably find weird. How come a country with a middling GDP, in a poor climate, no oil, dark winters, etc, is so happy?

There is a misconception about happiness. Think of a happy person, you are thinking of a smiling person, perhaps a laughing person — But that is not happiness. Happiness is something deeper, being able to fulfill your life goals, being able to live without stress and strife, to not be afraid.

That is why the happiest countries seem so boring. Resdents there aren't stressing about keeping a roof over their head, food on the table or having the time to study what they desire.

Short boomer rant

Did you know that almost half of Americans earning over 100 000$ are living paycheck to paycheck? You may think that if you just had another 500$ a month to play with, you would finally realize you dreams. But that is statistically not true, you are always just around the corner of earning enough — always.

I don't want to become a boomer, telling the youngsters to live within their means while they barely afford food — but...

Did you know you don't need an expensive car? A beater from the 90's will work just as well at driving the speed limit as a modern car. Also, debt sucks. If you can afford a beater today, you can put away some money that would have gone to car repayments to actually save for a new car. And if you struggle with holding on to savings, you aren't the type of person that should take debt.

What is the money for anyway?

What are the big, expensive purchases we feel like we deserve? Well a computer or a laptop, a mobile phone and probably a TV. And the thing is, there is merit to this. Try holding a job or doing your taxes without a computer. Try to have a social life without a phone. It's basically imposible in todays landscape.

What I want you to think about is what caliber of tech/gadgets/other expensive items you need. What do you find meaningful? What do you need to achieve these things that you consider meaningful? You can get by or atleast started for relatively very little these days.

I'm strugling to stay on topic, I'll write another post about achieving meaning...

But I'll leave you with this. Avoid unnecessary debt, avoid unnecessary risks, embrace boring and safe choices. Avoid comparing yourself, there is always someone richer, prettier, better, higher status, and there is always someone who seems happier. You will never climb to the top, the ladder just gets taller.

You can realize your passions today, you don't need to overdo it.