The Four Percent
A fascinating study was conducted some years ago across the United States involving a very broad range of people from all kinds of backgrounds. The objective was to see if anyone really qualified as successful across a range of categories. Financial success was only one measurement. The study also explored areas such as health, wellbeing, happiness and personal fulfilment. The results were surprising in a number of ways. Money, it seems, was not an automatic guarantee of happiness. In fact, some of the happiest people in the survey could hardly be described as materially rich.
In the quest for happiness and a rewarding life, the survey revealed that only four percent of the people qualified as truly successful.
Money is obviously an important factor in providing for our needs but, judging from the behaviour of some of the richest people on the planet, too much money might actually become a source of imbalance. It isn’t that money gets in the way of happiness. The problem arises when people imagine that money can act as a substitute for happiness.
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The positive conclusion from the survey was that the attitudes and behaviours of the four percent could be learned. That’s right. It’s possible to incorporate positive feelings of inner peace and happiness that support a much healthier, happier way of living and make each day deeply meaningful and worthwhile. Inner fulfilment reduces resistance to a fuller expression of our talents and potential. In other words, we can learn to feel happier, more creative and more available to opportunities for success.
A good starting point is to accept that you truly deserve to be happy. When you feel more accepting of yourself, you’re more likely to treat yourself with kindness, gentleness and respect. That can change your eating habits. It’s an invitation to exercise, to sleep well, to smile more, to find ways to celebrate each day by sharing your positive energy wherever you go. You’re less likely to accept self-destructive thoughts, or feelings or behaviour. You’re more likely to avoid extremes and opt for a more balanced approach to everything. Make a simple declaration right now that you’re ready to join the ranks of the four percent and adopt happiness, success and fulfilment in every area of your life.