Many people sacrifice their happiness in pursuit of success, thinking that once they achieve success, they will finally be happy. However, I've found that the happier I become, the more successful I am, as happiness drives me to engage in activities that align with my strengths.

Happiness and freedom are not counter to efficiency and productivity; they actually complement each other.

Being happier can actually lead to greater success, but your definition of success may evolve over time.

Optimizing for happiness means considering how your actions create more happiness for customers, team members, and shareholders.

The more I work, the better I get at working, and the more productive I become per unit of time.

When you're happy, you often find that you don't want anything, which can lead to a lack of motivation to act.

Most people report being happiest during periods of doing nothing, suggesting that the chase for pleasure can create an illusion of happiness.

When you're not happy, you're not doing anyone any favors; many people suffer silently without addressing their unhappiness. Having high expectations for your quality of life can lead to negative outcomes if you believe that suffering is somehow noble or makes you a better person. You can be both smart and happy, and it starts with the choice to be happy.

Extending the positive phase of dopamine release while blunting the pain response can lead to greater happiness and motivation in pursuing long-term goals.