Day 29 of Embracing the wonders of Life!

Sometimes, we complicate life unnecessarily. This picture I took in Ireland is a reminder that simplicity can be incredibly effective. Sure, we have advanced satellites and AI models to give us detailed weather forecasts. But if you just want to know the current weather, this simple rock does the job perfectly. It’s a reminder that some of the most straightforward things in life can offer profound clarity.

This idea was also beautifully demonstrated by Marco van den Brink during that same trip. On a morning taxi ride to the office, Marco, with his signature smile, turned to the driver and asked, “Are you happy?”. The driver, caught off guard, paused, then smiled widely. It turns out that Marco regularly asks this question, and it almost always leads to either a smile or an interesting conversation.

Marco’s simple question has a powerful impact, rooted in what psychologists call the “question-behavior effect” or “self-referencing effect.” When people are asked about their happiness or well-being, they tend to reflect on positive aspects of their lives, which can instantly boost their mood.

Empirical research backs this up. For instance, Kurtz (2008) found that when students reflected on the fleeting nature of their college experiences, they reported higher levels of happiness. Similarly, Oishi et al. (2007) discovered that asking people to think about their happiness made them more aware of their emotional state, often leading to a better mood.

Given how easy it is to uplift someone’s spirits, why not follow Marco’s example? Asking someone if they’re happy is a small act with the potential for big impact. If they’re not, it opens the door to a meaningful conversation. If they are, you’ll reinforce their joy.

It’s a simple, free gift we can all give to the world.