Build the Life You Want

Dr. Arthur Brooks delivered a nutrient-rich and empowering talk called Build the Life You Want, named after the best-selling book. Though suffering is inevitable, Dr. Brooks invoked his colleague Oprah Winfrey in saying the goal to life is happierness.
He described enjoyment, satisfaction, and meaning as the three macronutrients, or objectives, of living a happier life.
To build the life we want, we should not be afraid or resistant to our emotions. Our emotions are vital in detecting both opportunities and threats, and stem from the brain’s limbic system.
We are taught that the secret to satisfaction is having more, more, more. Because we are wired for homeostasis, there never seems to be enough.
He also gave us an equation for satisfaction: “Satisfaction = Haves/wants.” To increase satisfaction, we can pay attention to our wants (our desires and goals). Instead of focusing on not having what we want, we have the control to want what we have.
Dr. Brooks recommended implementing four daily habits to increase happiness. First, engage in something that gives us a transcendent experience of life (e.g., nature, art, religion, and meditation).
Second and third, connect with family and friendships that are based in love. Lastly, do work in service to others where we are acknowledged and rewarded for the value we create.
Overall, Dr. Brooks defined happiness as love expressed in the way we earn our daily bread.