Buying Happiness

My parents used to tell me, "Ken, it is better to give than to receive."  As a selfish kid, I thought that was merely a clever ruse or excuse for not buying me something I wanted.  It turns out that they were right!  Research confirms that we find greater joy and happiness when we spend our money to bless others.  

A study was conducted on employees who received an annual bonus to determine how spending this windfall affected their happiness.  They were asked to record what percentage of their bonus was spent on 1) bills and expenses, 2) rent or mortgage, 3) buying something for themselves, 4) buying something for someone else, 5) donating to charity, and 6) other.   Their happiness was measured prior to receiving their bonus and then again approximately 6-8 weeks later.  Employees who spent more of their money on charities and other people reported greater joy and happiness than those who did not. 

In another other study, students were given $20 to spend.  Half of the students were told to spend the money on something that they wanted.  The others were instructed to spend the money on other people.  The researchers checked-in with the participants after the money was spent and the second group reported greater happiness and satisfaction overall.  They were blessed when they blessed others.

These studies (and countless others) prove that "giving" is truly very rewarding.  This may seem counter-intuitive in our narcissistic culture that promotes self-indulgence and relentless pursuit of stuff.  “Do something nice for yourself” is a popular slogan today. The reality is that when we “do something nice” for other people, we experience greater fulfillment in life!

This is true because generosity, kindness, and charity are virtues that really do lead to blessing and happiness.  It not only feels good to do something for another person, but there is a spiritual blessing that comes from giving generously:

Give generously to the poor, not grudgingly, for the LORD your God will bless you in everything you do.  (Deuteronomy 15:10)

Yes, when you bless other people you are blessed in return.  It brings joy to God’s heart and we reap the benefits of His blessing.  The really cool thing is that you don’t have to spend a fortune to feel really good.  It can be as little as a dollar or two; provided you're spending it on another person.

I recently passed a homeless man while driving down a busy street.  My heart was broken so I pulled into the nearest drive-thru and bought food to offer him.  I’ll never forget his smile as I handed him a taco six-pack.  The cost of the tacos was insignificant, but the smile on his face was priceless.  And you know, my heart was glad because I spent a little money on someone else for a change. 

All of us have similar opportunities…. we just need to look for them.  You may have a friend who needs a little encouragement.  Buy them a card that expresses your love and write a few words of kindness to lift his or her spirits.  Perhaps your wife is overwhelmed by raising the children.  Give her a long-stem rose or small gift from the dollar store to express your thankfulness.  Maybe your daughter had a hard day at school.  Cheer her up with an ice cream cone to help her forget the cares of the day. Seek and you shall find many other opportunities to bless. 

It really does feel good to think of others first.  Spending money on gifts for others or supporting a needy charity is a small investment in happiness and well worth the payoff.   It doesn’t cost much to brighten another person's day.  And best of all, your day will be made that much brighter proving that you really can buy happiness!