[One Thousand Characters a Day] The 7 True Conditions of Happiness <3>

Editor's NoteThe definition of happiness presented by Professor Chae Jeong-ho is well-being, literally meaning 'to be well (well) and to exist (being).' To exist well as a human means living a life of self-realization by continuously growing through optimally utilizing the resources given to oneself without any deficiencies, a life where both body and mind are healthy. Regardless of any external factors, if I cannot protect and care for myself, life inevitably becomes difficult. However, the achievement-oriented characteristic that is particularly prominent among Koreans hinders the 'life of existence.' Living anxiously focused on immediate goals and what must be seized right away prevents one from realizing the preciousness of existence and from living a life of well-being. Word count: 984 characters.

Strengths are essential elements that make me who I am and cultivate the inner power to confidently face the changes in the world. Everyone has their own unique strengths, and depending on how they utilize them in their lives, they can develop them as much as they want. If you want to live a life true to yourself and a happy life, you must clearly know and express your strengths.

Living according to your strengths means focusing on the best qualities you have. Simply put, it is similar to a left-footed soccer player focusing on using their left foot. If you are naturally good with your left foot, it is much more advantageous to develop that ability. There is no need to train the right foot from the start. Of course, it is good to be proficient with both feet, but that comes after effectively using the naturally stronger left foot.

When we find and fully express our unique strengths, we can find the value of life and view the world by our own standards. We also find the basis for self-confidence that we have already been doing well enough. For office workers, this means being able to achieve the best results in their current work and make choices true to themselves during important turning points in life. Therefore, you should first develop your core strengths and then fill in what you lack.

The problem is that most of us try to do the opposite. If you try to fill what you lack without fully developing your strengths, life will always feel hungry. Of course, living by expressing your strengths does not suddenly change your life, but living according to your strengths means living authentically, which noticeably improves life satisfaction.

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If you are wondering what kind of life to live and how, find out what your strengths are and use them as a guide. If you are someone who has a lot of kindness and warmth and gains energy through positive relationships, then you should move in the direction of such a joyful life. For example, someone like me, who lacks kindness or warmth but has strong perseverance and curiosity, can feel great happiness and move toward a good life by studying diligently and dedicating themselves to research.

- Chae Jeong-ho, The 7 True Conditions of Happiness, Influential, 18,800 KRW