We get more of what we measure.

What if nations measured GNH (Gross National Happiness) rather than GNP (Gross National Product)?

For a nation which proclaims the “pursuit of happiness” as a fundamental human right in our founding documents, America does a lousy job clearing the way for those in their Nikes.

You know Richard Branson, the billionaire entrepreneur. Here’s what he says about happiness and money:

“How happy are you? How much has your company grossed this quarter? Which question is more important to you?”

“If you are more concerned about the latter, then one suspects the answer to the former is not going to be very positive.“

“Money is a by-product of bigger, more meaningful goals, such as passion, fun and wisdom. As I’ve said before, have fun, do good, and the money will come.”

You can read his brief article HERE (and thanks to my friend, Jeff Wyatt for the link!) He will show you a country that does more than just mention happiness; it measures it.

He backs up his words about a higher purpose with action, Virgin Unite.

I think many of us in America have lost our intuitive sense of what brings happiness. Greed and rampant consumerism have blinded us.

Holding up a piece of bacon in front of your dog and not letting him eat it is called teasing, at best, cruel by others.

Hoding up images of expensive baubles, and equating the purchase of $60,000 automobiles with showing love, is what exactly? Marketing? Teasing? Frustrating?

‘Tis the season to spend money.

Humans trampling other humans in a spending orgy that makes us more like sharks at a kill than people at a store.

And we wonder what makes us increasingly unhappy?

At our jobs, I also know that most of those in the corner offices of the largest consolidated radio companies have no concept or concern about the happiness of their employees.

And that is an opportunity, if we can just find someone more concerned about higher purpose than adding millions to the millions they already have…