Below is a lesson from @RiseShineCO on X on what truly makes people happy, as well as our key learnings.

The Blue Courage team is dedicated to continual learning and growth.  We have adopted a concept from Simon Sinek’s Start With Why team called “Learn, Share, Grow”.  We are constantly finding great articles, videos, and readings that have so much learning.  As we learn new and great things, this new knowledge should be shared for everyone to then grow from.

In 1938, Harvard began the world’s longest happiness study.

They tracked 724 teenagers for their entire lives.

85 years later, the results are in.

Here’s what actually makes people happy (backed by science):

Meet Dr. Robert Waldinger.

He has overseen the study for the past 22 years.

He dove deep into decades of data to find out:

What really makes people happy?

In a recent interview, he revealed the truth.

Continue reading here.

Key learnings:

• Health is foundational to happiness.
  Regular exercise, healthy weight, and avoiding substance abuse significantly increase lifespan and well-being.

• Loneliness is harmful.
  Social isolation leads to more illness and shorter lives. Human connection is essential for both mental and physical health.

• Purpose drives long-term joy.
  People who pursue meaning and contribution (not fame or wealth) report greater happiness over time.

• Diverse social networks enhance life quality.
  Mixing different social groups (work, family, neighbors) enriches your experience and support system.

• Focused attention is love.
  In a distracted world, giving someone your undivided attention is a powerful act of care and presence.

• Money matters only to a point.
  Once basic needs are met, more money does not equal more happiness. Enough is enough.

• Happiness lives in everyday moments.
  Small, consistent joys—like shared meals and laughter—are more impactful than chasing big goals.

• Fame can diminish happiness.
  While attention feels rewarding short-term, it often leads to stress, pressure, and less freedom.

• Strong relationships are intentional.
  Happy people don’t wait—they nurture friendships through regular contact and planning.

• Long life requires two things:
  Physical health and meaningful social connections. No shortcuts or hacks replace these essentials.

• Happiness takes work.
  There’s no instant fix. It’s built through daily choices and sustained effort over time.

• Happiness is not found in wealth or status—it’s created through health, connection, purpose, and presence.