I wrote a bit about the secret to happiness a while ago.

It was a big blurb talking about nootropics and psychedelics, and taking care of yourself.

But I think that I missed out the obvious…

The real key to happiness is human connection.

Harvard found it too. (you know, the famous 75 years study)

And also, diversity in human connections. At least, for me. Discovering new people makes me very happy.

I figured that I was really stagnating, in terms of relationships.

I only have relationships with a few people.

And most of my “friends”, I won’t even talk to.

At work, I only talk to the essential people.

So, I don’t have the same network as I used to, when I very frequently contributed online.

So, I have a few tools at my disposal:

  1. When I think of someone spontaneously, just send them a text
  2. Tell people why I like them
  3. At work: go on “exploratory” meetings (chit chatting to find out what kind of problems user face; and help them, which end up making me richer and happier - turns out that solving problems for people feel good)
  4. I have a Beeminder goal that prompts me to text a friend once every week

The Beeminder goal above really helped me.

By texting people, it lowered the friction in my mind about texting people.

So, if you’re the kind of person who barely talks to the friend they made 6 months ago, I can really recommend it.

Maybe the secret, is twofolds:

  1. Discovering and strengthening human connections
  2. Solving problems for people

Helping people reach their goals feels really great.

(and, it gets better the more you like the person)