Increase Your Happiness Quotient
Happiness, in the context of mental or emotional states, is positive or pleasant emotions ranging from contentment to intense joy. Other forms include life satisfaction, well-being, subjective well-being, flourishing, and eudaimonia (I looked it up - a Greek word meaning” Good Spirit”) Wikipedia
Thank you, Wikipedia, the 2022 version of the Webster dictionary for supplying me with this definition.
Those who know me well understand I am the type of person who is never satisfied (thanks mom and dad.) An example is that as the saying goes, “If it’s broken fix it,” I also believe "If it is not broken, break it, and make it better.” My group and I work extremely hard to do an outstanding job working with people like you. This note is how we intend to do an even better job and up your happiness quotient.
Happiness is a topic that has been a part of each of the notes I have shared with you. It is that golden ring we reach for, that unique state of mind everyone desires yet no one is sure how to define it for themselves. My group and I have always wanted to help make you happier. Here are my thoughts on how we will do an even better job getting you there.
A close friend just gave me a book he thought I would find interesting. The book, “Being Mortal by Atul Gawande.” is about the contradiction we often find in providing the best medical care versus that same medical care’s potential for decreasing the quality of life for the patient. They can help you live longer but at what personal cost to the patient and all who care about them? This is my summation of the book, though I know I am not doing it justice.
I found several takeaways from the book, two of which I found related directly to my relationship with you. The first was the value of listening versus simply hearing. We all hear a lot, but it takes effort to really listen to what you are saying. My team and I are good listeners and going forward we will become better. Better listening will allow us to ask better questions based on what you have said so we can do a better job of understanding what is important to you. Doing this I believe will lead to even better outcomes for you. When you are listened to and your wishes are carried out, you become happier. You are happier because you have been an even greater partner in planning and implementing your financial life.
A happier financial life contributes to a better overall life.
The second item I found relevant was the importance of providing you with choices. We always have provided choices. Going forward we are going to do an even better job of explaining your choices and providing you with the guidance required to make a good, informed decision. Most importantly, we will share with you how we would recommend you proceed. Having choices and receiving guidance makes us better partners. Better partners make for better understanding. Better understanding will help contribute I believe to you being happier.
I started this note with a definition of happiness. You have allowed my group and me to be a small part of your life. Our goal is to help you achieve happiness in the part of your life you have allowed us to help with which we believe will positively impact the rest of your life. We all know that every day will not be filled with only brightness and sunshine. I am confident that as my group and I become even better listeners, there will be an even greater opportunity for happiness.
Better listening leads to better understanding. I am looking forward to our next conversation.
To the Good Life,
Jeff
