We are always in the pursuit of happiness, and all our actions are an effort to obtain it. Because who doesn’t want to wake up in the morning with a smile on their face, ready to make the most out of our every day? This desire is so present in our daily lives, that we constantly ask each other about the efforts we make to find it. Whether it’s a new friend asking you, “What do you do for fun?” or “What is happiness to you?” from a life coach, the odds of getting some variant of this question seem to be almost inevitable in a meaningful conversation. I find it fascinating to see how we all have very different points of view and responses, some might say it’s their partner or good food, while others say it’s their team winning the Super Bowl (Thankfully that’s not me, because as a 49ers fan, I’d be in for a very sad life). After asking and answering this question for a few years now, I believe I’ve found a pattern of factors that people tend to have present when it comes to their TRUE happiness. Because happiness is not just a feeling, it’s a state of peace and fulfillment, regardless of life’s challenges. With those factors, like a good business management major, I believe I found a multivariable equation to achieve Happiness.

(Family/Friends x Memories x Learning x Accomplishments x Self-Confidence)^Religion.

Firstly, we are sociable and loving creatures that need human interaction. Those late Friday night deep talks with the boys are fundamental elements to building a sense of community and belonging, even if it’s simply playing a dumb round of “would you rather?”. Or how about the need for a hug from your mom when things are not going your way, a barbecue with dad or an interesting talk with a professor. It is in those moments that we feel wanted, valued, and, most importantly, loved. Remember, love is the strongest motivation to reach happiness, not only for us, but also for those we choose to love.

Our memories and experiences are the most important components of our personality. It is through them that we get to build our character, our opinion, and our values. They make you, YOU. Regardless if it’s a positive or negative one, they show us our capabilities, our weaknesses, and points we need to work on improving. Like those joyful memories in Disneyland with my cousins that always put a smile on my face, those moments when my actions put a smile on someone else’s face. But also, those mistakes that ended up teaching me a lifelong lesson. All of those, good and bad, make Gustavo, Gustavo.

The third variable is learning. I’ve always been a huge fan of the phrase “Knowledge is Power”, power to improve, to help others, and to reach our own sense of happiness. The act of constantly learning new skills and information, help us strengthen our toolbox. The more we know, the easier it is going to be to act under unfamiliar situations or doing a simple task more efficiently. Stuff like asking questions, reading or watching movies, will make your imagination stronger. On the long run, being prepared will help us identify those opportunities that will lead us to achieving our goals.

Which leads to the 4th variable, Success. We all have a purpose on earth. A mission that, if accomplished, will make us see our value and the real impact we can have on the world if we smartly use our skills, abilities, and knowledge. It’s that success-need spirit that makes us feel so good about ourselves when we accomplished something hard. We all need a challenge that will test our limits, but will make us feel proud and satisfied, knowing we gave it our best. It could be a series of yeses that compound to something great or anything that you are passionate about.

I’m defining Self-Confidence, our fifth variable, as the ability to recognize one’s aptitudes and flaws, and moderately being able to believe in one’s capability to accomplish anything regardless of the odds or what others might think about you. It is one of the most effective types of self-love. We need to be able to recognize our own value and be willing to congratulate ourselves for the efforts no one else sees. I know to some people, my younger self included, this is one of the hardest ones. One way to improve it, is to humbly look at how different the room would be without you. SPOILER ALERT: It’s more than you think!

Now the exponent that powers and elevates the polynomial, our sixth and final variable, Religion. Religion is the bow that ties it all together and gives it a transcendental value. Some believe that it’s merely a moral code, but it goes beyond that. It’s acknowledging the fact that you are not the result of randomness. It is realizing you were created with a purpose, and that you are not alone in the world. You are loved and there’s a God that walks with you, who wants your happiness. All you need to do is to let him into your life, and he will exponentially improve the other factors and turn you into a champion!

Of course, that following this formula won’t automatically make your life perfect and free of challenges and adversity, as a matter of fact it will make you work harder than ever before. However, it will give you a solid idea of what you need to do in order to reach that state of peace and fulfillment, that HAPPINESS. I really hope you’ll find that they are a map to finding that smile after failing a midterm or any other curveball life will throw at you. And, if done properly, this will help you get to bed every night satisfied, knowing that you gave it your all! Remember, Happiness is only for those who chase it!