"Be as simple as you can be; you will be astonished to see how uncomplicated and happy your life can become." is a quote by Paramahansa Yogananda. To be honest, I had never heard of this guy until I read his quote. I figured that he was probably like the Dalai Lama, and it ends up he is an Indian holy man. Close enough! Paramahansa was an Indian yogi active in the U.S. between 1910 and 1953 who was responsible for introducing millions of westerners to meditation and yoga.
Although I don't practice yoga, I do practice the martial arts, and I can tell you that it is often the simplest techniques that are the most effective. I also find that holds true with stock analysis. Oftentimes, the companies with the simplest press releases are the ones that perform the best. If you have to read to page six of the release to find out how much the company made during the quarter, you know that the company is trying obfuscate the poorness of the results with other points that shed the company in a better light. Two industries that I cover where this happens all the time are in telecom services and mining. A simple way of dealing with this, is to ignore what management says in regards to results, and instead let the numbers do the talking. Once you figure out the truth that the numbers are telling you, you can always go back and see what management has to say! This post isn't about stocks, though, so I'll bring it back to how simplicity in life can really add to your happiness. I find I am happiest when I try to follow three simple rules to happiness. Don't get me wrong, there are lots of little rules I make for myself to follow in my life. But there are three that I think are critical for happiness and that all of the other "rules" work from these three. Below, I'll try to define my three rules in there simplest terms. "Treat others as you want to be treated." Rule number one in my book. Deep down we all know how we like to be treated. When we are not treated the way we like, we wonder what could have caused it. Well, if you treat people poorly, then it's likely you won't be treated much better. All people deserve a modicum of respect. If you zing people or deride them, then it is likely that when they get a chance, they will return the favor. Instead, treat people with kindness and respect. Smile and make small talk. People of a similar disposition will follow suit, and all will have a more pleasant time. "Look to the little things for your happiness, since they happen far more often than the large." This one is really true. I try to find pleasure in the little things in my life. The view of Mt. Monadnock while I drive to karate, my first cup of coffee in the morning, The hugs my daughters give me when they first see me in the morning, are all examples of the little things that make me happy. Because I find happiness in the little things around me, I don't feel the need to go looking for those big things that others need to find happiness. The grand annual vacation? No need. I moved to where I thought I would be happy. While we do go on vacations occasionally, I usually set them up to be educational as well as fun. Find happiness in the little things and you will never be far away from your next smile! "Set small, medium and large goals and commit to them." This one is very important. By setting goals and achieving them, you get into a habit of success. For larger goals, set up a number of smaller goals that relate to your larger ambition. For instance, if you are looking to lose 40 pounds, set smaller goals like I will cut back on the portions of the food I eat, or I will workout three times a week. Use these smaller goals as starting points. As you hit these goals, you will build confidence towards hitting your larger goal. Set medium goals too, such as by the end of the month I want to lose ten pounds. By setting small goals that work towards your large and medium goals you are setting yourself on to the path of success. Don't just set the goals, though. Commit to them. Believe me, setting and achieving goals will go a long way towards building your happiness. Well, to tie it all together, none of my three rules are tough to implement. They have helped me through very tough times and I am still using them. Am I happy? I believe so. Things are definitely turning in the right direction. Keep it simple...and see how far you can go towards a life of happiness!
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