Today, we live in an extremely connected world where people have the means to share their lives with whomever they choose. But sadly, most experience loneliness because they may feel unsure or uncomfortable to express their authentic self. It is why we do what we do here at HAPPINESS SQUAD – to spread awareness on how happiness is human performance and how it can be learned and integrated daily through habits.
But, we’re neither taught the science of happiness nor the benefits of forming habits at school, university or at work. Until now.
Ashish and I were pleased to discuss this Jackson Kerchis, a happiness nerd who established a happiness course at the University of Alabama, during our Happiness Squad Podcast. We discussed how Jackson discovered the value of the science of happiness and how he encouraged parents, faculty, and course members to appreciate how happiness can enhance human performance as a means, not the end.
We discussed this across three areas:
- Philosophy of Happiness
- Teaching Happiness
- Biggest Obstacle to Happiness
“Loneliness is one of the biggest epidemics of our times, where people are more connected, but more lonely because they never really feel comfortable showing their authentic self.”
Ashish Kothari
Philosophy of Happiness
Much like Jackson, I’ve always viewed happiness not as a fleeting emotion but as a harmonious state that emerges when various aspects of one’s life align. It’s akin to a puzzle, where each piece, whether it’s our mental, physical, or spiritual well-being, plays a crucial role. When these pieces fit together seamlessly, the beautiful picture of holistic happiness emerges. This perspective challenges the often superficial societal benchmarks of happiness and urges us to seek a deeper, more enduring sense of contentment.
Within our 9 “Hardwired for Happiness” practices, Jackson’s favorite was intention. Intention is a foundation for happiness. It’s about managing your time effectively, like investing in a portfolio where time is the currency. Download our life dashboard tool here.
Whether it’s nurturing relationships, indulging in self-care, or practicing gratitude, it’s our intentionality that breathes life into these actions, transforming them from mere tasks to powerful happiness boosters.
“Happiness is something that emerges when various factors in one’s life align—like psychological health, physical health, spiritual health.”
Jackson Kerchis
Teaching Happiness
Most people, let alone kids, misconstrue happiness with outcome-based emotions. There are so many who graduate from college and land jobs they dislike – a means to an end. And it is why Jackson has dedicated his life to teaching happiness. He successfully established a happiness course at the University of Alabama, which aims to teach students habits that are going to support happiness.
This is something far more important than any of us will ever learn in traditional courses – to design a career you love rather than a job you hate, using college as an experimentation period.
For parents, we urge you to look at what your kids are going through right now in college. Look into the curriculum of your kids and if there isn’t a program on flourishing happiness, call your college. It’s one of the most important lessons you could be imparting to your kids and is a crucial step in their education.
“Happiness can be a superpower. It’s the means to any end. If you’re enjoying the journey to any outcome you want to achieve, and you’re integrating happiness as part of that journey, the outcome is whatever goal you want to achieve.”
Anil Ramjiani
Biggest Obstacle to happiness
During Jackson’s interactions with several organizations, the biggest obstacle he observed is the lack of measurement and contextual understanding of the problem. By introducing tangible metrics to measure cultural and emotional well-being, organizations can foster a more positive, productive, and, importantly, happy work environment.
After all, happiness isn’t just an individual pursuit; it’s a collective endeavor that has profound implications for organizational success. At the HAPPINESS SQUAD, we strongly believe that if you truly care about human performance and want your human assets at their best, measure them at least once a month.
Conclusion
In today’s world, where we are the most technologically advanced and connected generation, we often feel alone. The insights from Jackson and the goals of the HAPPINESS SQUAD remind us of something important: real happiness is about more than just moments—it’s a journey we take together. As we go through life, it’s key to be aware of our emotions and feelings, build real friendships and community, and understand that true joy comes from deep within. We may not have been taught habits to integrate happiness into our lives, but it is never too late. All it takes are the right micro practices and a few minutes a day – not to do different things, rather do things we already do differently. With intention.
Yes, “happiness” needs to be learnt! Happiness can be taught. Habits can be formed. This is where we come in.
Jackson Kerchis is the co-founder of Happiness Means Business. HMB offers talks, trainings, and transformations at the intersection of happiness and work. He is a frequent keynote speaker at conferences and events. He designs and facilitates leadership development trainings. He also leads cultural transformations. He has worked closely with leaders in the following verticals: military/first responders, transportation, sales, and healthcare..
Learn more about Jackson at his website and LinkedIn.
Listen to the podcast with Ashish, Anil and Jackson below.
Access and subscribe to the all of the episodes of the Happiness Squad Podcast here.
Visit the REWIRE Program powered up by the HAPPINESS SQUAD Community and experience your shift within your 30 day risk-free trial today. Cultivate your Self-Awareness, Gratitude, Purpose and Community and personal growth more through the 9 Hardwired for Happiness practices. Integrate simple and proven micro-practices grounded in the science of happiness and neuroscience of habit formation in a 5 minutes a day.
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