What the Second-Happiest People Get Right

Five takeaways:

  1. This article proposes that more happiness is not always better than less– that overprioritizing happiness can detract from the drive that provides meaning.
  2. Researchers recently examined a data set from a study that rated incoming college freshmen’s “cheerfulness” and tracked their income nearly two decades later– and found that the “most cheerful in 1976” were not the highest earners in 1995. This distinction went to the second-highest group, which rated their cheerfulness as “above average” but not in the highest 10 percent.
  3. The article does not deny that happiness is good; rather, it urges readers to remember that a little bit of unhappiness has benefits. It breeds ambition and solution-based thinking.
  4. “An aversion to unhappiness can lead us to forgo a meaningful life.” – To avoid failure (and the feeling of failure) many will avoid taking the risks or putting out the effort required to find fulfillment.
  5. Those with the highest performance in life have been forced to make decisions that were unpleasant and scary.

From Arthur C. Brooks at The Atlantic:
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Note: At the time of this posting The Atlantic offers five free article views per month.


This site may contain links to articles or other information that may be contained on a third-party website. Advisory Services Network, LLC and MAP Strategic Wealth Advisors are not responsible for and do not control, adopt, or endorse any content contained on any third party website. The information and material contained in linked articles is of a general nature and is intended for educational purposes only. Links to articles do not constitute a recommendation or a solicitation or offer of the purchase or sale of securities.

Scientists Identify the Minimum Weekly Exercise Needed to Reap the Benefits

Five takeaways:

  1. Research shows that every single system in the body benefits when you are more active. From sleep quality to daily energy levels to mood stability to memory strength, and so much more. Life is better lived actively.
  2. Exercise goals are important, but like all goals, they must be specific and practical.
  3. Remember that a brisk walk, at a pace of at least a 20-minute mile, provides health benefits similar to running, and probably more social benefits. Plus, your risk of injury is much lower.
  4. Expand your view of exercise: You don’t need to go to the gym to get moving! Go on walks with friends instead of meeting them for coffee. Park farther from the store or movie theater. Get your steps in however you can.
  5. Remember that setbacks happen: it is never easy to undertake a new challenge and the line to fitness is never going to be straight.

From Libby Richards at Inverse
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This site may contain links to articles or other information that may be contained on a third-party website. Advisory Services Network, LLC and MAP Strategic Wealth Advisors are not responsible for and do not control, adopt, or endorse any content contained on any third party website. The information and material contained in linked articles is of a general nature and is intended for educational purposes only. Links to articles do not constitute a recommendation or a solicitation or offer of the purchase or sale of securities.

The Strategic Side Gig

Five takeaways:

  1. While career-based ambition can lead people to be almost obsessively focused on job performance, this article argues that actively maintaining multiple interests is important for long term success.
  2. Leaders are well served to find ways to expand their range of knowledge, skills, and connections outside their daily work– especially in a world where industries and fields are rapidly shifting and intermixing.
  3. Make sure your “side gigs” are meaningful and aligned with your personal goals. Work on boards, teach/mentor, or volunteer in public service.
  4. Aside from building new skills, a strong “side gig” will allow time to recharge, and to grow your perspective.
  5. Taking on extracurricular activities may seem like a difficult thing given your busy work schedule, but it can and will open opportunities and give you a competitive advantage.

From Ken Banta and Orlan Boston at Harvard Business Review:
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Note: At the time of this posting Harvard Business Review offers two free article views per month. Four if you register for a free account.


This site may contain links to articles or other information that may be contained on a third-party website. Advisory Services Network, LLC and MAP Strategic Wealth Advisors are not responsible for and do not control, adopt, or endorse any content contained on any third party website. The information and material contained in linked articles is of a general nature and is intended for educational purposes only. Links to articles do not constitute a recommendation or a solicitation or offer of the purchase or sale of securities.

This Mom Is Charging Her 5-Year-Old “Rent”

Five takeaways:

  1. This article is about a mom who charges her five year old daughter $5 out of her $7 weekly allowance– for rent, utilities, food, water, and cable. The remaining $2 is the child’s money to spend however she wishes. The $5 that the mother takes for “bills” actually goes into a savings account she’ll give to her daughter when she turns 18.
  2. The piece debates the merits of such a plan– ultimately applauding the mother for making the value of money less abstract.
  3. Teaching kids that bills come before less necessary expenditures can have hugely positive long term effects.
  4. This practice can teach children that nothing in life is free and that budgeting is the key to saving for things you want.
  5. It can also help overcome a child’s sense of immediate gratification. Saving will introduce the concept of delayed gratification, which will help them become less impulsive.

From Denise Hill at WiseBread:
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This site may contain links to articles or other information that may be contained on a third-party website. Advisory Services Network, LLC and MAP Strategic Wealth Advisors are not responsible for and do not control, adopt, or endorse any content contained on any third party website. The information and material contained in linked articles is of a general nature and is intended for educational purposes only. Links to articles do not constitute a recommendation or a solicitation or offer of the purchase or sale of securities.