Happiness projects: they really do work! Here's an example.

Recently I got an email from a reader that made me very HAPPY. I asked if I could post it, because I thought it was such a good example of the fact that doing a Happiness Project can make you happier.

It can be easy to say to yourself, "Why bother?" “Even if I did X, Y, or Z, would it really make a difference?” “I don’t have the time or the freedom to make the kind of big changes that I need to make,” or “Just doing a little bit each day isn’t enough to add up to anything.”

But as this reader’s email shows, if you make up your mind to identify your resolutions, and stick with them, you can see real results. He makes it look so easy! And it’s not hard – you just have to do it.

I would point out that his resolutions were very wisely chosen, and were directly related to outstanding sources of building happiness: creating anatmosphere of growth, building relationships, and “do good, feel good.” Plus he managed to get more exercise, too. Here's the email:

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Gretchen,

In the vein of being mindful and showing gratitude to those you appreciate, I've been meaning to share with you the positive effect your blog has had on my life for a while now. I began reading your daily entries at the beginning of November, last year. I had spent a bit of time thinking about my own happiness prior to coming across your project and found many helpful bits in the things you were writing. I am most interested in the science about happiness and the psychology of assembling a more appropriate approach to life that will lead to positive feelings. Two books that lead me in this direction wereThe Progress ParadoxandStumbling on Happiness.

Anyway, you had posted a few things on resolutions that inspired me to come up with my own. Knowing that I needed to be specific about things that could be accomplished and that being more social would lead to additional happiness, I wrote out the following three general goals against which I could judge success at the end:

1.) Take A Class

2.) Volunteer

3.) Join A Group

I promptly signed up for two courses at the UC Berkeley Extension to continue learning for my own edification. I also volunteered with the Boy Scout troop that I had been affiliated with while I was in my teens. These two resolutions took up much of my free time for the first half of the year. Recently, I began working toward the third goal and joined a rowing club.

I can tell you, without a doubt, that these three resolutions have led to all of my best experiences this year. I’ve made some important and valuable new friends in my economics class, have learned how to motivate and lead through my experiences with the Boy Scouts, and am continuing to expand my social circle by joining the rowing club (while getting more exercise). Honestly, when people ask me what I'm "up to," I tell them about the things I'm doing because of those resolutions and really sound interesting. More importantly, I'm feeling fulfilled and definitely happier.

I'm now taking a third course at Berkeley and considering joining a wine club. I also walk five times a week, and keep myself motivated to maintain the habit using many of the suggestions you've shared (the one that sticks with me the most is the one from your dad aboutjust having to put the shoes on and get to the mailbox).

I've learned so much through your research and experience and just want you to know that your work is worth the effort. The impact on my life has been immediate, and I'm certain it will last for many years, if not the rest of my life. Sometimes, people say that if the things they do can influence one person, then it was all worth it. Well, you have!

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

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I got tears in my eyes when I read this email.

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