Section 1.1: Establish Your Own Standards

The advice about not comparing yourself to others is valuable, but how do you put it into practice? Simply suggesting that one shouldn't compare themselves isn’t enough for me.

Therefore, I took a proactive step: I defined my own standards. For instance, different individuals have varying health benchmarks. Athletes might dedicate half their day to physical training, while fitness enthusiasts may find satisfaction in one to two hours of exercise daily. Others may be content with just a workout once or twice a week.

Everyone has different standards for various aspects of life. Similarly, I encourage you to set your own standards for what matters to you. Once you do this, you’ll naturally stop comparing yourself to others because you’ll find fulfillment in meeting the standards you've established for yourself.

For instance, I committed to writing daily without focusing on the word count. This standard has freed me from the pressures of comparing myself to other writers who may produce 10,000 words or none at all. I now derive satisfaction from achieving the personal goals I’ve set.

To summarize:

1. Identify what is important to you.
2. Establish your own standards.
3. Create a system to achieve those standards.

Section 1.2: Brighten Someone Else’s Day

I’m not here to preach about selflessness; I consider myself quite selfish and make no apologies for it. The reason I strive to brighten someone else’s day is to fulfill my own desire for lasting satisfaction.

I approach this by asking: What is the minimum I can do to make someone I care about smile? For instance, I consider what I can do to make my wife and son happy. My focus is on their happiness rather than my own. I aim for simple, achievable gestures rather than grand gestures.

I’ve realized that genuine satisfaction arises from making someone else happy. While material possessions may provide temporary joy, the happiness derived from brightening someone’s day has a more lasting effect on my sense of fulfillment.

However, it’s important to recognize two limitations of this approach:

1. You can’t make everyone happy.
2. You can’t guarantee eternal happiness for anyone.

Let me clarify. The goal is not to ensure someone’s perpetual happiness but rather to bring a smile to their face, focusing on those who matter most to you.

For example, at work, this could be your supervisor or a colleague. In your personal life, it could be a friend or family member. Everyone has their struggles, and a small act of kindness can go a long way in fostering positivity and trust in relationships.

Section 1.3: Foster Trust in Your Community

Research indicates that higher levels of trust within a society correlate with greater happiness among its citizens. But how can one contribute to improving trust in their community?

At first glance, this may seem like an overwhelming challenge. However, it doesn't require you to be a leader or a public figure. Instead, focus on helping those around you.

You don’t need to join an NGO or become a social activist. Simple actions—like holding the door for someone, offering your seat on public transport, or sharing your food—can make a significant impact.

Consider how you can contribute positively to your community. What small actions can you take to build trust? How can you support initiatives that promote trustworthiness? Even a sincere smile to a passing stranger can brighten their day.

Humans often prioritize their own happiness, yet the key to true contentment lies in bringing joy to others.

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