Dr. Alphonsus Obayuwana, the physician-scientist who created the “formula for happiness”, has introduced a new method to assess life satisfaction.
With 30 years of research on human hope and happiness, Dr. Obayuwana claims if one can confidently say these six specific phrases, then there is an indication of a higher level of happiness and hopefulness in one’s life.
According to the Daily Mail, Obayuwana’s formula for happiness, “Hope ÷ Hunger = Happiness,” suggests that happiness is achieved by increasing hope and decreasing hunger.
Here, “hunger” refers to desires for inclusion, acknowledgment, intimacy, companionship, food, comfort, information, and certainty.
“Hope” is derived from high self-esteem, strong relationships, economic stability, sufficient knowledge, and spiritual assurances.
Obayuwana developed a 12-question survey to help measure hope and hunger, which takes just five minutes to complete. Once individuals get their hope and hunger score, they can calculate their Personal Happiness Index by plugging these values into their “Hope ÷ Hunger = Happiness” formula.
To further assess life satisfaction, Obayuwana suggests reciting these six specific phrases. If one can recite them confidently, it indicates that they likely have a higher level of happiness than the average person.
1. ‘Generally speaking, I am an optimist’
If you identify as an optimist, that means “you habitually choose the most favorable interpretation of events and outcomes of the past, the present, and especially the future,” Obayuwana wrote in an article for CNBC.
This therefore indicates a high hope score, which translates to a higher Personal Happiness Index.
“To an optimist, the future is full of hope, whereas to the pessimist it’s full of hunger, or unfulfilled desires,” Obayuwana wrote.
What’s more, optimists tend to be more resilient than pessimists.
“When you haven’t achieved a goal after a few attempts, you try and try again. And if you determine a goal is truly impossible to achieve, you modify it to keep hope alive,” Obayuwana wrote.
Research indicates that some individuals are genetically predisposed to optimism, being hard-wired for a hopeful outlook from birth. However, optimism can also be cultivated as a skill by challenging negative self-talk and replacing pessimistic thoughts with positive ones.
“You can learn to be more optimistic by noting and acknowledging that good things do happen, and anyone (including yourself) can make them happen,” Obayuwana wrote.
2. ‘I have something to offer to other people’
According to Obayuwana, expressing a strong belief in oneself and having high self-esteem reflects a sense of purpose in life. This feeling of having something meaningful to contribute signifies that an individual is a consequential member of their community.
“You matter, and you belong,” Obayuwana wrote.
If this sentiment feels out of reach, it may be time to explore and identify your true calling or passion.
“The best way to build this belief is to identify your true calling or passion – something you love to do and do very well,” Obayuwana wrote.
Your “true calling” can take many forms. If you’re unfulfilled at work, consider exploring new careers.
Alternatively, you might seek more meaningful activities in your free time, such as volunteering at an animal shelter or a charitable organization you believe in.
Engaging in experiences that make you feel like a valuable community member is essential for a happy life, he said.
3. ‘I have someone I can count on’
Life’s ups and downs are inevitable, but having a support system to help you through difficult times is crucial.
“All humans have an inborn desire for human connection,” Obayuwana wrote.
Having someone to rely on during stressful situations reduces the need for trusted companionship, said Dr. Obayuwana, who has published several peer-reviewed articles in national medical journals, including The Hope Index Scale, which was widely used at Fortune 500 companies and governmental and academic institutions around the world.
Research consistently shows that good relationships are key to a happy life. As social beings, humans need connections to feel safe, secure, and a sense of belonging.
To build stronger relationships, Dr. Obayuwana suggests expanding your social circle by engaging in actions that bring joy to others.
“Send someone a note just because you’re thinking of them, give your neighbor a ride, compliment a friend, or let the other driver go first,” he wrote.
Small acts of kindness can strengthen new relationships and help build a strong support system.
4. ‘When I need answers, I usually find them’
Humans are inherently curious, driven by a natural “hunger” for new information and answers to their questions.
“When you believe that answers to your questions are within reach, that hunger is mitigated and under control. Simply understanding ‘Why?’ can ease heavy burdens,” Obayuwana wrote.
Obayuwana states that knowledge is a source of hope, enhancing self-esteem, confidence, and courage. Relying on your knowledge and ability to seek answers can reduce fear and anxiety during challenging times.
As the saying goes, knowledge is power.
5. ‘When I think about what I have, I believe I’m more fortunate than many’
Practicing gratitude is essential for happiness, according to Dr. Obayuwana. Acknowledging your economic assets—such as money, food, and shelter—enhances their value.
Dr. Obayuwana explained that once people appreciate what they have, it tends to enrich their lives. Conversely, constantly comparing yourself to others can diminish your sense of contentment, as expressed by the saying, “comparison is the thief of joy.”
He suggested fostering gratitude through small daily actions if you’re struggling to appreciate what you have. Simple tasks like making your bed, tidying your desk, and conserving resources can remind you of your blessings.
He noted that practicing mindfulness and taking a few minutes each day to count your blessings can significantly enhance your sense of gratitude.
6. ‘Relying on something larger than myself is reassuring’
Practicing spirituality can reduce stress and anxiety, provide a sense of purpose, offer perspective, and enhance resilience against life’s challenges. According to Dr. Obayuwana, spirituality doesn’t have to involve organized religion or belief in a divine entity.
Instead, it encompasses one’s core beliefs, moral tenets, ethical convictions, and virtuous practices.
“At the end of the day, spirituality is about that urge to respond to others’ material needs, the motivation to do things even when they don’t directly benefit you, and the hope and fulfillment you get as a result,” he wrote.
