3 Questions from Mark Manson To Reflect On Happiness
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You’re tired of chasing happiness. You’ve tried everything—new jobs, new relationships, new hobbies—yet something always feels off. It’s frustrating, isn’t it? No matter what you do, real happiness seems just out of reach.
Mark Manson, the guy who cuts through the fluff, believes that 99% of your happiness comes down to just three questions. Forget all the self-help noise and focus on answering these three questions to dig deep and get right into the core of what really matters.
1. How Well Am I Treating My Body and Why?
Let’s get one thing straight: this isn’t about looking good. It’s about how you’re treating yourself, of course, physically, but more so, mentally.
The way you care for your body has a direct impact on your psychological well-being. Small physical changes can have huge effects on your mood, energy, and overall happiness.
I love how Mark takes an 80-20 pareto approach to taking care of your body and being happy. You don’t have to work out all day every day or have the perfect body.
Just doing a little something good for your body consistently at least 80% of the time, naturally makes you feel better, move better, and it sets the stage for a healthier mind. This isn’t vanity…it’s self-respect.
Answering this question forces you to consider the relationship between your physical habits and your mental state. Are you treating your body like it matters, or are you neglecting it because you think it doesn’t affect your happiness?
The truth is, how you treat your body is a reflection of how you value yourself. By making small, consistent efforts to care for your physical health, you’re actually investing in your long-term happiness. So go ahead and create a foundation where you can thrive, both mentally and physically.
2. Who Are You Spending Your Time With and Why?
They say you’re the average of the five people you spend the most time with. It’s cliché, but it’s true.
The people you hang out with shape your mindset, your habits, and ultimately, your happiness.
If you’re surrounded by supportive, positive individuals, that energy rubs off on you. But if you’re constantly around toxic people, they can drag you down, distorting your perception of reality and poisoning your outlook on life.
Toxic relationships don’t just make you feel bad in the moment; they can warp your entire worldview. When you’re around negativity, it’s easy to start believing that the world is as bleak as the people you’re spending time with.
You might find yourself becoming more cynical, more anxious, or less confident, all because the company you keep is feeding you a steady diet of negativity. It’s like being stuck in a fog where you can’t see things clearly anymore.
Answering this question is crucial for your happiness because it forces you to take stock of the relationships in your life. Are the people around you lifting you up or pulling you down? Are they contributing to your growth or stunting it?
The company you keep has a profound impact on your mental and emotional well-being. If you’re serious about being happy, you need to surround yourself with people who inspire, challenge, and support you. Prioritize relationships that add value to your life, not ones that drain it. You have to get this one right.
What Am I Working On and Why?
“What am I working on and why?” might seem like a straightforward question, but it’s a powerful one. Mark Manson advocates for a holistic approach to work because he understands that work is more than just a means to an end.
Manson says that work can suck no matter if you have your ideal job or not. It’s about purpose, fulfillment, and the impact your efforts have on your life and the lives of others.
When you know what you’re working on and, more importantly, why you’re doing it, you tap into a deeper sense of satisfaction. He says that you feel good when you do something that you know you’re excellent at, which over time makes the work meaningful.
You have to find meaning in your work…even in the mundane tasks, because not all work is enjoyable. There are days when it feels like you’re just going through the motions, ticking off tasks, and waiting for the weekend. But when you understand the why behind your work, it changes everything.
Maybe you’re working on a project that aligns with your values, or maybe your work provides for your family, allowing you to support those you love. When you connect your daily grind to a bigger picture, you start to see the value in it. You begin to find satisfaction, even in the less glamorous parts, because they contribute to something greater.
Answering this question forces you to reflect on whether your work aligns with your values and goals.. Instead of being trapped in a cycle of working for the sake of working, you start working with purpose—and that’s where real happiness begins.
Next Steps
Happiness is within your reach—you just have to take the steps to claim it. And you can start by asking the right questions and making intentional choices every day.
Focus on what you’re working on and why. But recognize there’s nothing inherently wrong with a normal job. Find a hobby or start a side hustle if you need more meaning.
Lastly, treat your body with the care it deserves, and surround yourself with people who uplift and inspire you. These small, conscious decisions add up and create a life that feels meaningful, balanced, and truly fulfilling.
Theresa is the founder and owner of Simple Is More from Beavercreek, Ohio. She is a nationally syndicated writer whose work has been featured on the Associated Press Wire, Blox Digital, and more. With a passion for words and a love for simplicity, Theresa has built a reputation as a trusted source on minimalism, home organization, budgeting, travel, and wellness. When she's not writing or tidying up, Theresa loves to explore new places, read a good book, and spend quality time with her family.