Be selfish.
Nothing is more selfish than selflessness.
In 2001, researcher Allan Luks studied more than 3,000 Americans involved in volunteer services.
Here’s what he found:
95% of those surveyed reported an immediate physical feel-good sensation from volunteering. Of that 95%, nine out of ten rated their health as better than others their age.
53% noted gains like increased happiness and optimism, along with decreases in helplessness and depression.
57% mentioned an increased sense of self-worth. For comparison’s sake, a Gallup survey found that only 44% of people who exercise frequently reported gains in self-worth.
Again — nothing is more selfish than selflessness.
Luks’ research revolved around a concept that first sprung up in the 1980s — the helper’s high. Studies showed that performing acts of kindness causes your brain to release dopamine and endorphins, chemicals associated with happiness and well-being.
It only takes a quick Google search to find the towering mountain of scientific evidence to back the helper’s high. One 1999 study in the Journal of Health and Psychology found that elderly people who volunteered for two or more organizations had a 44% reduction in premature death.
I’m not sure about you, but my goal in life is happiness. It’s not to be a billionaire or to scale Mt. Everest or to play for the Detroit Tigers (OK, maybe that one). My goal is to cobble together the right inputs that lead to the outcome of happiness.
Micro-optimization has become trendy in today’s life-hack-obsessed world. Think about cold plunges. People immerse themselves in titanically frigid water for the psychological and physical benefits. Mental clarity. Weight loss. Endorphins.
But let’s work backward for a second.
Why do people pursue health benefits?
In general, it comes down to feeling better. Living longer. Having more energy, performing better at work or just being the best you can be for your family.
And why do people pursue those things?
I’d guess it’s because those outcomes make them happy.
So, sure. Do your cold plunge. Wear your blue light glasses. Be relentless in the pursuit of your best self.
But we’ve overcomplicated it.
If you want to simplify happiness, just lend a hand.
It’s the most selfish thing you can do.
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