# Discovering the Secrets to Lasting Happiness
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Chapter 1: Understanding Happiness
Happiness is a universal aspiration, yet few truly attain it. In a thought-provoking episode of the Rich Roll Podcast, host Rich Roll invited Dr. Arthur Brooks, a distinguished author, professor at Harvard Business School, and social scientist. After just the first hour, I was captivated by Dr. Brooks’s insights and knew I would explore more of his work. If you are unfamiliar with him or seek a transformative podcast experience, this episode is a must-listen.
Dr. Brooks identifies four key areas where we should focus our efforts to nurture happiness: faith, family, friendships, and work that benefits others. I was taken aback by this straightforward list. Throughout my life, I have understood that material possessions do not equate to happiness, and that genuine joy emerges from spending quality time with loved ones, engaging in fulfilling work, and nurturing spiritual practices. However, it wasn’t until this podcast that I saw these concepts articulated so clearly.
Here’s how I cultivate happiness in each of these areas:
Section 1.1: The Role of Faith
Practicing faith doesn’t require adherence to a specific religion; rather, it involves exploring spirituality. According to Blue Zones, individuals who embrace spiritual practices—whether through religion or other means—tend to enjoy longer and more fulfilling lives (Blue Zones, 2016).
Engaging with spirituality can take many forms: regular walks in nature, reading inspiring texts, participating in religious gatherings, or enjoying a podcast like "Waking Up" by Sam Harris. While various spiritual traditions exist, it’s essential to avoid the trap of religious rivalry; spirituality is about finding meaning, not comparison.
Section 1.2: Nurturing Relationships
Dr. Brooks recommends a practice I’ve recently adopted: reaching out to a friend or family member each day through a call, text, or email. The key is consistency. You don’t need to connect with the same individuals daily; rather, aim to maintain interactions with a broader circle over time. While this may seem simple, remember that humans are inherently social beings, and making others feel valued—through a quick message or a call—can profoundly impact their lives.
Chapter 2: Service to Others
The first video, "Learn How to Cultivate Happiness! | Jack Canfield," explores practical strategies to enhance your happiness through service and positive mindset shifts.
In 2020, I launched Noah Cracknell Performance Coaching, a venture focused on providing elite-level strength and conditioning for athletes while promoting health and wellness through energetic fitness classes. My mission has always been to contribute positively to others’ lives.
After retiring from baseball, I faced a significant transition. The sport that once brought me immense joy was no longer part of my daily life. Over the past three years, I’ve worked hard to identify my “why,” or my purpose. This journey is complex and requires deep reflection and questioning. At my core, I believe my purpose is to serve others, which brings me great meaning and fulfillment.
I share my experience not to claim I have all the answers but to illustrate how meaningful work can transform lives. You don’t need to change your career drastically; even simple acts like writing, starting a YouTube channel, teaching, or volunteering can be incredibly rewarding.
Section 2.1: Embracing New Experiences
To add to Dr. Brooks’s insights, I’ve never regretted investing in a trip or adventure. I’m not advocating for travel merely for social media posts; instead, I encourage using travel as a means to practice mindfulness, empathy, and engagement with the world. While these qualities can be developed without traveling, the experiences of new places can offer unique perspectives that enrich our understanding of happiness and fulfillment.
To wrap up, here’s the secret to pursuing happiness, as shared by Dr. Brooks, distilled into three straightforward steps:
- Engage in the work.
- Integrate it into your life.
- Share your knowledge with others.
If you’ve gleaned valuable insights from this article, I recommend listening to the podcast with Dr. Brooks and exploring his website for more resources.
Keep striving for happiness!
Cheers,
Noah Cracknell
The second video, "Joy: Cultivating Happiness | Back to Basics," dives into foundational practices that can help anyone cultivate a joyful life.