Did you know that the United States ranks # 16 in the world for happiness? Canada, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, Israel, Ireland, Iceland, Finland and Switzerland are all happier. As the richest country in the world, the U.S. also lags in health care, education and leisure time, leading some to question the American dream as a path to lasting happiness.
Despite what we might think, lasting happiness is not about getting the job promotion or winning the lottery. It’s not about landing your dream house or finding your soul mate either. Sure, those things are amazing. But because of what’s known as hedonic adaptation, we humans quickly adapt to new life circumstances – particularly positive ones – which means the effects of those great things wear off as we become used to them.
The secret to lasting happiness
So, what’s the secret to lasting happiness?
Wait for it…
Unplug your robot
Say what?
That’s right. There’s a robot in each of us and we don’t even know it. It’s the part of us that goes through the motions or engages in tedious or repetitive tasks without having to think about them. The robot is the part of our mind that gives us an ongoing commentary about our every thought, sensation and action. It’s the part that considers busyness, competition, scarcity, anxiety and fear a normal part of life. Our robot also includes the roles, labels and obligations we take on as members of families and societies.
When our robot is on, we’re essentially asleep at the wheel, going through the motions of life. We’re cut off from the deeper part of ourselves who is naturally happy, healthy, energetic and peaceful.
The good news is, each of us can unplug our robot.
We can feel enthusiastic and happy on a daily basis. We can feel more empowered and excited right now. In my latest book, Unplug Your Robot: The Secret to Lasting Happiness, I share my system for creating the life we were meant to live, not the one society thinks we should be living. It’s a guide to living life to the maximum.
Discover how to unplug from unconscious routine and conditioning and live each moment with energy, enthusiasm and clarity. In Unplug Your Robot, you’ll learn how to rediscover your true nature, access more vitality and start living more fully. Available on Amazon here.
