--by Mark Williamson, Original Story, Mar 20, 2013
We all want to lead a happy life. But in our quest for 'progress'
we've been pursuing priorities that put our happiness at risk - not just for us as individuals, but for society as a whole.
Our collective aim should be a society with the greatest possible human
happiness and wellbeing - with policies, institutions and social
attitudes that help people to lead flourishing lives. This is the spirit
behind a resolutionwhich
was adopted last year by all 193 United Nations member states, calling
for "a more inclusive, equitable and balanced approach to economic
growth", and one which promotes "happiness and the well-being of all
peoples".
To support this emerging shift in priorities, the very first United Nations International Day of Happiness is
being held on 20th March this year. In the UK and all around the world
people will be taking action to encourage a greater focus on happiness
and also to celebrate Happy Heroes - the unsung people and organisations who do so much to bring happiness to others.
But what does a happier society look like and how can we make it happen? As Director of UK-based Action for Happiness,
a growing global movement of people who care deeply about this topic,
I've had the privilege to meet with many of the world's leading experts
as well as engaging with many of our 80,000 supporters and followers to
hear their views.
My conclusion is that a happier society is possible - and rather than
being some nebulous or idealistic dream, there are some clear actions
needed to make this happen. It will of course require a shift in
priorities for our governments and institutions. But it will also only
happen if we as individual citizens play our part, particularly by
choosing to live in a way that contributes to the happiness of others.
So below is my 12-step manifesto for a happier world,
which calls for change not just from our leaders but from all of us.
I'm not pretending these are simple changes or can happen overnight. But
if we were to put these ideas into practice I'm certain we could create
a society which is not only happier, but also more productive, caring,
fair, responsible and sustainable.
For our political leaders:
Ensure a Stable Economy. A
healthy economy is the foundation for happiness and wellbeing. We need
an equitable economic system which puts long-term stability and high
levels of employment ahead of "growth at all costs".
Focus on Wellbeing.
What we measure is what we get. In addition to conventional financial
indicators, we need our governments to measure people's wellbeing and
consider the impact on wellbeing - for both current and future
generations - in all policy decisions.
Support the Disadvantaged.
Priority should be given to improving the wellbeing of those who are
most in need, not just through financial support but also by empowering
people and helping them to help themselves.
Prioritise Human Relationships. Relationships are central to our wellbeing. We need to prioritise healthy relationships in all policy areas, especially through support for troubled families and children in their early years.
For our institutions:
Healthcare for Mind And Body. Mental health is just as vital as physical health. We need a healthcare system that prioritises
both mental and physical health and provides high quality support for
all those struggling with anxiety, depression or other mental illness.
Education For Life. Education
is about learning for life, not just gaining academic qualifications.
We need schools that help children develop character and learn essential
life skills, like emotional intelligence, mindfulness and resilience.
Responsible Business. Truly
successful businesses have happy employees and a purpose beyond profit.
We need workplaces where people feel valued and trusted and where
sustainable and ethical behaviour is at the heart of all decision making.
Balanced Media. The
way we perceive the world affects what we do and how we treat each
other. We need a media that portrays a balanced view of what's good as
well as bad in our world, not a constant diet of cynicism and
negativity.
For each of us as individuals:
Family Values. Happy
homes are the bedrock of a happy society and, above all, we need to
cultivate warm and loving family relationships. For our children, our
priority should be their emotional health and helping them to develop
positive values and attitudes.Contributing In The Community. When we connect with and help others around us, everyone benefits. We need to get involved in our local communities, be good neighbours and support those in need. Our actions can help to build trust and reduce isolation.
Making A Difference. Our working lives should be about more than just earning a living. Whatever job we do, we should aim to make a meaningful contribution - and help create a workplace culture which is trusting, friendly and responsible.
Taking Care of Ourselves. We can't contribute to a happier society unless we take care of our own well-being too. We all need to look after our health, both physical and mental, and develop within us the life skills and attitudes needed for a happy and fulfilling life.
Together our actions make a profound difference. We can call for change
from our leaders but we can also "be the change" in the way we approach
our lives and the way we treat others. So if you share this vision for a
happier and more caring world, please take the pledge to create more happiness and do whatever you can to support the Day of Happiness on 20 March.
Reprinted with permission. Dr Mark Williamson is director of Action for Happiness,
which launched in 2011 and has members from over 100 countries who are
taking action in their everyday lives to help build happier communities,
families, schools and workplaces.
