"Man only likes to count his troubles; he doesn't calculate his happiness."

We humans have a funny way of dwelling on the negative. We often focus so much on what's going wrong in our lives—our troubles, our complaints, our disappointments—that we forget to tally up all the good things happening to us. We get bogged down counting our problems and barely give a second thought to our happiness.

This observation taps into a common human tendency. When things go wrong, it’s like a glaring headline in our minds: “Problem Alert!” But when things go right? Often, it’s just a whisper, a fleeting thought we quickly move past. Historically, this way of thinking has roots in our survival instincts. In the past, being acutely aware of dangers and problems helped us stay alive. A predator behind the bush, a storm on the horizon—these were troubles you couldn't ignore if you wanted to survive.

Take a modern example. Think about your last workday. You might remember the frustration of a project gone awry or a tense email from your boss. But do you recall the moment you laughed with a colleague about something silly? Or the satisfaction you felt when you finally finished that report? Probably not as vividly, if at all.

Now, let’s get practical. Imagine you’re keeping a daily journal. Instead of just jotting down the day’s grievances, make it a point to list three things that made you happy or grateful. It might feel odd at first—maybe even forced. But over time, this simple practice can shift your focus. You start noticing the good more, appreciating the little joys that often slip through the cracks.

This also works in conversations. Next time you catch up with a friend, instead of diving straight into your worries, share something positive first. It can be anything—a great cup of coffee you had, a beautiful sunset you saw, or a kind gesture from a stranger. It changes the tone of the conversation and can even lighten your mood.

Picture this scenario: You’re overwhelmed, juggling work, kids, and personal commitments. One day, you decide to try this happiness calculation trick. You start small, noting how your child’s laughter made you smile in the morning, how a compliment from a colleague gave you a little boost, or how unwinding with a good book in the evening felt like a mini-vacation.

These moments are your happiness currency. By acknowledging them, you’re not ignoring your troubles—they’re still there, and they’re real. But you’re also giving your brain a chance to see the full picture. You’re showing yourself that life isn’t just a series of hurdles but also a collection of joyful moments.

The key here is balance. We can't—and shouldn't—ignore our problems. They need addressing. But by also recognizing and valuing our happiness, we create a more complete, realistic view of our lives. Instead of being defined by our troubles, we allow our happiness to carry some weight, too.

So, next time you find yourself fixated on what’s going wrong, take a step back. Think about what’s going right. It doesn’t erase the problems, but it puts them in a different light. Life isn’t just about counting troubles—it’s about calculating happiness, too. And who knows? You might find that your happiness tally is higher than you thought.