On Tuesday, in my post “Unhappy Meal”, I gave you a pop quiz. The question was this: Which will make you happier, winning the lottery or becoming parapalegic? Dan Gilbert answers this question beautifully in his lecture for www.TED.com. If you haven’t checked out TED, PLEASE do so. It is an amazing site.
The answer is that neither the Lotto winner or the parapalegic is happier. They are equally happy. Feel free to check out the video.

As we have said from the outset, humans are very poor at predicting what will make them happy. Dan’s assertions are backed up by his research and that of Sonja Lyubomirsky. Unfortunately many people feel the same way “Oh, I don’t need a class about Happiness. I KNOW how to be happy.” I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt, but ask you to be honest with yourself. Tonight…. when it has quieted down and you’re laying in bed…. starting to relax…. Ask yourself: Am I really happy?

Though I am the teacher of Happiness 101 and a mental health therapist, when I had that moment, though I do consider myself to be a happy person, I knew (and still know) I could be happier. I am very much enjoying the journey. I hope you’ll join us.

Happiness 101 is a FREE class about Happiness held at my office every Tuesday night 7pm
Address: 220 East 3900 South #7. For recorded information, call 801-262-0317