No, this is not a post about the film with Will Smith from 2006. (Never have seen the film, so couldn't share my opinion about it). Instead I want to talk about something else.
In my current professional role, I have the privilege of working with numerous young individuals. Specifically, individuals born after 1990, often referred to as Generation Z. If I had to describe this generation in one word, it would be “FOMO” or the fear of missing out.
This generation holds high expectations for their lives, seeking an interesting career, a high salary, engaging hobbies, parenthood, travel, and more. In essence, they possess a lengthy bucket list, extensive enough to last four lifetimes (if one were to believe in reincarnation).
While I admire their enthusiasm and eagerness towards life, it can also lead to a significant pitfall: a life-long pursuit of happiness. Whenever I have the opportunity, I like to share with them the secret equation for happiness, which I learned from Arthur C. Brooks’ column, “The 3 Equations for a Happy Life.”
The equation is as follows:
Happiness = What You Have ÷ What You Want
This equation stems from the Dalai Lama’s statement,
We need to learn how to want what we have not to have what we want in order to get steady and stable Happiness.
To me, this equation signifies the importance of relinquishing one’s desires and wants to become content with what one currently has. If this can be achieved, anything extra that comes one’s way is merely a bonus.