He who thinks less about himself works happier.

In everyday work life, usually everyone is most concerned about themselves.

The focus is on getting as much as possible. Money, prestige, and power are the favorites in this regard. It is very much in line with our contemporary spirit that we highly value these things. It seems like we can never get enough of them. As a result, competition and power struggles arise, accompanied by stress. Particularly our pursuit of things that we believe will bring us happiness often prevents us from actually finding happiness. So, how does one find happiness in the workplace? Money, prestige, and power are questionable goals. At least, they do not represent inherent value and do not necessarily make one happy. They are merely means to an end and can only be beneficial to those who know exactly what they want to do with them. Taken on their own, they create emptiness and dissatisfaction. Only in connection with a specific intention do they gain value. Generosity instead of selfishness On the other hand, happiness that we achieve through generosity is much more stable and reliable. We are born as social beings, and because we cannot survive alone, evolution has given us a very effective mechanism: whenever we do something good for others, we immediately feel a sense of happiness. Every selfless act is immediately rewarded with the release of happiness hormones. Goethe already knew this when he wrote: "He who does nothing for others, does nothing for himself." Modern research can now confirm Goethe's statement: when we assist others, various effects can be immediately observed in the helper's body: the immune system works better, blood pressure decreases, brain activity changes, etc. Ultimately, these effects lead to a more stable health and a longer life expectancy. Moreover, helpful actions have an immediate impact on mood: endorphins are released, helpers feel uplifted, they experience a sense of satisfaction and gratitude. At the same time, the good deed helps to distract from one's own problems. Scientists refer to these changes as "helper's high." Depending on the size of the good deed, the positive effect can last the whole day. In this context, the Dalai Lama speaks of selfish altruism. Happiness through selflessness So, those who willingly allow their resources to benefit others experience a reliable happiness. On the other hand, those who are only concerned with their own advantage will surely experience frustration. The decision should not be difficult... In fact, we can all make our work life happier by focusing more on the well-being of others. This does not require self-sacrifice. Small gestures are sufficient: offering coffee to a colleague without being asked; a small gesture of goodwill; a friendly response to a curt remark; sharing fruits from your own garden with colleagues. Even unspectacular good deeds bring about happy feelings, and all involved can benefit from them. It would be a shame to miss out on these opportunities to increase happiness! Article by Marion Lemper-Pychlau, one of the Top100 trainers in our catalog. Find her profile here!