As a track and field athlete, I understand what it means to be fighting for enough income to sustain. But many of us are passing up 30-60 grand more of income we could get working. Should I do it? And will this bring more happiness?
Again and again, studies show that one of the top goals of people is to achieve financial success. Whether this is though to bring happiness through security and basic needs, or through the pursuit of material gains and exotic pleasures, it shows up as a top goal of most people when they think of being happy.
Some studies have tried to put a dollar value on our happiness, attempting to realign our values with what actually works to make us happy. Below is an excerpt from Social: Why are Brains Are Wired to Connect by Matthew Lieberman
Having a good friend that you see most days vs not having such friend = extra $100,000
Married = an increase of $100,000
Divorced = losing $90,000
Giving to charity = doubling your salary
Physical health = a boost of $400,000
The moral of the story is embracing materialism leads to more unhappiness. Which brings me back to my original question:
If I can make enough to survive for 3-8 years as a professional athlete, will this bring my happiness?
Physical health is automatic, with better nutrition, sleep and lower stress. Social life can suffer due to moving away, although an active effort in your spare time can allow you to flourish. Seeing many good friends on a daily basis at practice, spare time to volunteer, and overall more control over your time leads all increase happiness, scientifically speaking.
What are your thoughts? I’d love to hear from you in the comments below!
I think it definitely maximizes happiness to live the dream and find out just how far you can push your body. Your body can only perform at a top level for the next 8 or so years. You have the rest of your life after that to work. What scares you more? Being different and not starting a ‘normal’ career at a ‘normal’ age or not finding the limit on how high your body can jump?
I admire anyone who chooses the latter.
I agree with Roman. Happiness is choice to the greatest extent, and you are simply delegating how you want to be happy – training or earning. People are such social creature that we will follow the social norms, but ultimately that choice is still our own. How many 2.30m high jumpers are in the world? How many dudes that make $100,000 are in your hometown alone? Think of training as an early investment that will translate to the rest of your working life!