I have been reading The Good Life by Robert Waldinger and Marc Schulz. The book shares the findings of the longest scientific study of human happiness. While the general take away is that happiness depends on our relationships, the book opens with a concern about how we compare ourselves to others.

In an effort to promote my writing – part of my reinvention from high school principal into full-time writer –  I have been spending lots of time on social media. I now understand the attraction: everyone else seems to be living the good life.

Of course when you know the person, then the posts look more like bright moments in what you know is far from a perfect life. Even though we know life is often impossibly hard, we still beat ourselves up over falling short in comparison to others. 

These comparisons distract us from examining ourselves: what we love, who we love, what we do best, and our unique qualities. I have always believed each person has something unique to contribute. Troubling that we feel compelled by the media to mimic the talents of others.

So often when we meet someone the question we ask is: What do you do? I wonder how things might change if we started asking this question: What are you interested in? I have been asking that question a lot, and there is always a pause and look of surprise. 

When the answer does come, it rarely has to do with the person’s job. I can’t help but think that we would all be better off if the work we did was driven by the interests we have. Imagine how different things might be. 

Maybe taking an interest in other people’s interests rather than what they do to earn money is worth considering.

Be well, be kind, and find joy in your work.

Peace,

Chris