Happy Math

I was searching the internet for “happiness” and came across this math formula

“HAPPINESS = REALITY minus EXPECTATIONS”.

This essentially says, “Manage your EXPECTATIONS”. I print this formula and place it on my wall to project positive energy.

I start thinking does the math work out with real numbers. What if REALITY and my EXPECTATIONS are the same? Does HAPPINESS = 5-5 = 0 mean neutral? Hmmm … Is there a better expression? How about instead of using subtraction, we use division as in a ratio? Let’s try it out with some numbers.

Lower your expectations, increase your happiness.

If I’m expecting a perfect 10 and the reality is half of my EXPECTATIONS then

HAPPINESS = 5 / 10 = 1 / 2

HAPPINESS = 5 – 10 = -5

In this case, both can work (higher pitch on “can” 😄). The ratio expresses HAPPINESS at half which is closer to what I’m trying to say than say a “negative five”.

How about having NO expectations? “Zero, zip, zilch, nada”, 0 or 0̸, nadir, …

HAPPINESS = 5 / 0 = undefined

HAPPINESS = 5–0 = 5

In this case, the subtraction formula works (i.e., 5–0). It’s more clear and easier to understand than with what happens when you divide by zero, which is undefined.

How about having the same EXPECTATIONS as REALITY?

HAPPINESS = 10 / 10 = 1, where 1 is defined as “something” special

HAPPINESS = 10 – 10 = 0, where 0 is defined as “nothing” or “neutral”

In this case, 1 as a baseline makes more sense than 0. Having something as a goal is better than nothing. Here is an expression about trying to achieve a more perfect world and managing expectations along the way. After all, “Life is a journey, not a destination”.

If you manage what is within your direct control → expectations, you will find greater happiness. 😄 I hope you found this perspective to be helpful.

How do you maximize HAPPINESS? Try it out for yourself.