Happiness formula
The self-development platform is inspired by traditional and modern psychological and psychoanalytical theories and practical work experience, covering two main topics – LOVE and WORK. Sigmund Freud believed that happiness is a simple formula consisting of both. If you experience love and work satisfaction, you would be happy. It sounds simple, and many would say that there are many more other things that define happiness or that happiness can’t be reduced to them. However, you live a life full of love (self-love, romantic love, and all other love types) and love what you do your life quality will increase and naturally your level of happiness. Before you dive in deeper into both topics „LOVE“ and „WORK“ ask yourself the questions below:
«Who am I» sounds like the simplest question to ask and at the same time, to give a simultaneous answer is a challenge as the answer changes over time while growing and maturing. What makes you special and defines you? What are all the great things about you, which make you proud of yourself? Who you are is often a question people would answer with what they do as work is one of the biggest areas of self-identification. However, what you do is only part of what defines you as an individual. Who you are, includes personality traits, beliefs, origin, family, childhood and love history, life events, and much more. Reaching a stage of deep knowledge about your self-identity is the best way to find out who you are and what makes you happy. Self-identity is a source of security and strength.
Erik Erikson’s life cycle theory suggests that you grow while going through life crises at different life stages. Overcoming crises help you shape your personality, build self-confidence and trust. Going through life crises has a positive meaning in theory as it shows that life is a dynamic process of self-development and growth. Life in a fast-paced environment does not give you the opportunity to spend time with thoughts and feelings about who you are. Take a step back from searching for answers on the outside and start exploring who you are on the inside.
On this journey to yourself it is important to start differing between what you really want and what you think you want, based on society‘s expectations. Before you move to a new challenge or change something in your life, you need to assess at what point of your life you are. Look back at all the learnings and achievements from the past and stop focusing on the past. Be present here and now. Where are you in the „here and now“? How do you feel about where you are? This will help you assess in what direction you want to move. Self-awareness is the first step towards a change and a step closer to where you want to be.
This is about the resources and strengths you have, which you need for the future to achieve the ideal for your forms of love and work. They are the fuel for a qualitative and fulfilled life. People are often not aware of how many of both they have. Write down on a blank list of paper what are your resources and strengths and you will be amazed by the outcome and length of the list. This can include supportive resources such as family or partner, material resources, time, job network, or unique skills you bring and make you great at what you do.
People think that fulfilling needs equals happiness and associate giving with „giving away“, „sacrificing“. Giving can be as rewarding as fulfilling a need. It makes you feel valued, appreciated, and loved. Think of what you can give yourself, the people you love, and the world and try out giving more while you observe how it makes you feel and what it gives you back.
For most people, this is blurry, chaotic and it feels very far from where you are. This doesn’t feel right. Dreams should be clearer, well structured, and closer. When you stretch your arms, you should feel that you touch the dream or even embrace it. Wherever you go, go with all your heart.
Without exact expectations, you might spend an enormous amount of time and energy. Before you rush into a search for love or a job, take time to put together your expectations. Love and work have many expressions and definitions. The first association with love is romantic love, however, there is love everywhere and in everything – love to you yourself, to your family, to the world, or about what you do. Depending on your life phase you might need different types of love. Work has also many faces – you can work for a company, be an entrepreneur, so something voluntarily, be in art or be a full-time mum or a dad. It’s not about what role others expect you take, it’s about your self-aware choice to dedicate yourself to love and work according to your own definition and needs.