If You Want to Be Happy, Try to Make Someone Else Happy

A new study shows that doing kind things for others is an important path to happiness.

When Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence, he assured Americans of their right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. This idea seems to lead many Americans to chase after new gadgets and hedonistic pleasures. But what if that approach is wrong? What if happiness comes from aiming to make others happy, instead of doing nice things for yourself?

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About The Author

Greater Good Science Center's picture
Greater Good Science Center

This article originally appeared on Greater Good, the online magazine of the Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley.

The Greater Good Science Center studies the psychology, sociology, and neuroscience of well-being, and teaches skills that foster a thriving, resilient, and compassionate society.

Based at the University of California, Berkeley, the GGSC is unique in its commitment to both science and practice: Not only do we sponsor groundbreaking scientific research into social and emotional well-being, we help people apply this research to their personal and professional lives. Since 2001, we have been at the fore of a new scientific movement to explore the roots of happy and compassionate individuals, strong social bonds, and altruistic behavior—the science of a meaningful life. And we have been without peer in our award-winning efforts to translate and disseminate this science to the public.

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Passing the Baton

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There are only five of them. Five new principals hand-picked out of a very select larger group – to eventually replace the partners of the firm who will be retiring next year.

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About The Author

Laura Basha's picture
Laura Basha

Dr. Laura Basha is an organizational psychologist, writer, and artist. 

She is the Founder and Creator of WhiteBird Rising, a resource and guide for the transformational lifestyle. For over 35 years she worked with thousands of international clientele, using a principle-based paradigm of well-being, catalyzing an awakening in people to their authentic self-expression, creativity, and power. Her latest book, All Is Chosen, a beautiful handmade art piece, is a compilation of her life’s work, and can be viewed along with her other writings, videos, and artwork, at www.whitebirdrising.com

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Staying in Action by Focusing on Others

A great way to stay in action is to shift the focus from ourselves to others.

By thinking more about “how can I be of use to others” instead of “what do I need or want,” you’re sure to increase your self-esteem AND productivity.

Mehmet Murat Ildan, a contemporary Turkish playwright and novelist, said, “Every New Year people get you some presents but the best present you get never changes: Your own existence! It is also your best present to others!”

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About The Author

Andrew Mellen's picture
Andrew Mellen

Andrew Mellen is an organizational expert, public speaker, and the #1 best-selling author of Unstuff Your Life!

Andrew has helped tens of thousands of people worldwide to declutter and simplify their lives while regaining time for the things that matter.

A sought-after authority on organizing and productivity, Andrew's addressed audiences from The Great British Business Show to TEDx. 

Corporate clients include American Express, Genentech, NetApp, Time, Inc., and the US Depts. of Education and Homeland Security.

The media has dubbed Andrew “The Most Organized Man in America.” He writes a featured column called “Ask The Organizer” in Real Simple. In addition, he has written for and/or appeared in: The Wall Street Journal, Los Angeles Times, The New York Times, Oprah Magazine, America Now, The Lisa Oz Show, The Nate Berkus Show, Oprah & Friends, Martha Stewart Living Today, ABC, NBC, CBS, CW11, HGTV, DIY Network, LiveWell Network, KnowMoreTV, Better Homes & Gardens, Ladies' Home Journal, Woman's Day, Family Circle, USA Today, GQ, InStyle, All You, Tricycle: The Buddhist Review, Healthy UK, American Way, numerous trade and travel publications, and NPR.

He leads workshops and speaks internationally while maintaining a private practice working with clients ranging from Fortune 100 companies, trade associations, and non-profits to CEOs, award-winning filmmakers, and authors, as well as overwhelmed parents everywhere. 

In 2013, Andrew founded Unstuff U®, the world's first completely virtual personal organization training center, offering classes, workshops, and other online resources for businesses and individuals. 

Andrew is a member of the Experts Collective and serves on the faculty of the New York Open Center in New York City. He speaks frequently on the intersection of spirituality and organization at places including Omega Institute, San Francisco Zen Center, Tassajara, All Saints Church, JCC Manhattan, and the Center for Spiritual Enlightenment, among others.

Previously, Andrew was an award-winning playwright, actor, producer, and director and the former Artistic Director of Alice B. Theater (Seattle), DC Arts Center (Washington, DC), and Shuttle Theater Company (New York). He is a contributing author to Yes Is the Answer: (And Other Prog-Rock Tales).

Andrew lives by his motto: More Love, Less Stuff!® 

Find him on the web at andrewmellen.com.

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Andrew Mersmann's picture
Andrew Mersmann

Andrew is the author of Frommer's global guide to volunteer vacations, "500 Places Where You Can Make a Difference" (Gold Medal Winner from Society of American Travel Writers: Best Guide Book 2010). He spent more than a decade on the editorial team of PASSPORT Magazine. He has volunteered and led teams on service projects around the world, and is honored to be on the boards of directors for the Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation (AARBF.org) and Mentor Artists Playwrights Project (mentorartists.org). Mersmann has been a featured speaker, interview guest, or moderator on several travel talks, from the New York Times Travel Show, Smithsonian Associates, and the 92nd Street Y-TriBeCa to Oprah and Friends, Animal House, and The Focus Group on satellite radio as well as on NY1 television. Past participant at the Clinton Global Initiative and judge for Condé Nast World Changers Conference, he blogs about volunteering and service travel at www.ChangeByDoing.com. As part of the evox television team, he is dedicated to audience engagement, so if you're not engaged, he needs to be thumped on the head (gently)...or at least told (nicely). Twitter: /ChangeByDoing

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Subscribe to RSS - help others
Father and children laughing on bed
If You Want to Be Happy, Try to Make Someone Else Happy
06/30/2021
Greater Good Science Center
A new study shows that doing kind things for others is an important path to happiness. When Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence, he assured Americans of their right to life,... read more
hands of relay racers passing the baton between them
Passing the Baton
08/08/2016
Laura Basha
“Poor leaders drop the torch making it difficult if not impossible to pick up again. Mediocre leaders pass a dimly lit torch. Outstanding leaders pass the torch with fire blazing.”... read more
man and woman reaching across river
Staying in Action by Focusing on Others
04/08/2015
Andrew Mellen
A great way to stay in action is to shift the focus from ourselves to others. By thinking more about “how can I be of use to others” instead of “what do I need or want,” you’re sure to increase... read more
Rainbow Globe Graphic
Who in the World Gives the Most? Here Are the Top Charitable Nations
08/19/2014
Andrew Mersmann
With all the cynicism these days and distressing news domestically and internationally, it is a pleasant surprise to the jaded many among us that the United States has regained the distinction of... read more
Father and children laughing on bed
If You Want to Be Happy, Try to Make Someone Else Happy
06/30/2021
Greater Good Science Center
A new study shows that doing kind things for others is an important path to happiness. When Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence, he assured Americans of their right to life,... read more
hands of relay racers passing the baton between them
Passing the Baton
08/08/2016
Laura Basha
“Poor leaders drop the torch making it difficult if not impossible to pick up again. Mediocre leaders pass a dimly lit torch. Outstanding leaders pass the torch with fire blazing.”... read more
man and woman reaching across river
Staying in Action by Focusing on Others
04/08/2015
Andrew Mellen
A great way to stay in action is to shift the focus from ourselves to others. By thinking more about “how can I be of use to others” instead of “what do I need or want,” you’re sure to increase... read more
Rainbow Globe Graphic
Who in the World Gives the Most? Here Are the Top Charitable Nations
08/19/2014
Andrew Mersmann
With all the cynicism these days and distressing news domestically and internationally, it is a pleasant surprise to the jaded many among us that the United States has regained the distinction of... read more