The Wall Street Journal recently informed me that to help me reach my New Year's goals they are offering three 6-week challenges. There is an "Investing Challenge," a "Money Challenge," and a "Fitness Challenge." Should I chose to engage in a challenge, a daily email will be sent to my inbox to guide my efforts.
It appears they have neglected to offer a "Kindness Challenge."
Perhaps they are unaware that research has proven that money does not buy happiness.
But giving to others does.
According to a 2015 research study, in 120 out of 136 countries there is a positive relationship between giving and happiness. And yes, the United States is one of those countries.
Giving to others satisfies the need for social connection. If people have control over who they give to and how much they give, they will feel a personal sense of accomplishment as well. (Dunn, Aknin, & Norton, 2015)
Even the perpetually greedy should understand that.
If not, there's always Henry James - "Three things in human life are important: the first is to be kind; the second is to be kind; and the third is to be kind."
Dunn, E., Aknin, L., and Norton, M. (2015, September 5) Prosocial Spending and Happiness: Using Money to Benefit Others Pays Off. harvard.edu. Retrieved January 11,2022, from https://dash.harvard.edu/bitstream/handle/1/11189976/dunn,%20aknin,%20norton_prosocial_cdips.pdf?s
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