Most countries focus on their Gross National Products (GNP) as their measure of success. The GNP is the total of value of goods and services sold in a certain time frame. A little country in the Himalayas, Bhutan, decided to measure their country’s success on more holistic and psychological terms rather than economic terms like the GNP. In order to do this, they created the Gross National Happiness (GNH). The GNH focuses on the cultural, environmental, spiritual, and emotional health and happiness of the country and it’s residents.
Can you imagine a world where all the governments focused on the citizens’ happiness and well-being like this? Wow! What a different world it would be. While that may not happen anytime soon, I think it is important that we each think about our personal GNH. We can define our personal success more holistically and not simply focus on material success.
Here are the areas included in my personal Gross Happiness Product (GHP): social, emotional, mental, physical, spiritual, and financial. I try to make sure that I focus on each of these areas and create a harmonious balance. Success in one area to the exclusion of others areas is not true success for me. I want to be sure that I have a well-rounded definition of success and happiness. I think it is important to do a monthly evaluation of our GHP in order to stay on track and achieve greater health, happiness, and success.
So, how would you define your GHP? What would you need to change in your life to increase your overall GHP?
