Happiness and the Sharing Economy

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It is not a coincidence that both the Sharing Economy and the concept of Collaborative Consumption are converging tendencies supported by our Happiness Framework, and in general, by what positive psychologists report as key factors for driving happiness.

 

The Sharing Economy was born as a necessity to respond to the dire consequences of an extended recession which points to a fundamental paradigm shift in how humanity is to create value in the future. As in other occasions in history, together we are finding ways to withstand adversity creating new means to meet our needs.

 

Technology is surely bringing about a new generation of solutions. It almost seems a new sharing platform is born every day. You can now share your carofficetravel accommodationstextbookschildren's clothingparking spotsgardenscamera lensesluxury bagshousehold items, and a lot more. It is all about sharing goods and resources for the common good.

 

Additional trends are converging to further motivate these sharing phenomena:

  • The need to reduce the environmental impact of our insatiable consumer society.
  • The need to save natural resources while looking for a sustainable growth model.
  • The newfound efficiencies are now possible with the advent of ever more sophisticated information technologies creating new product and service markets.

As society widely adopts these trends, they will shape a new lifestyle not as a solution to an economic crisis, but as a way to guarantee our future overall prosperity. What is most thrilling about these trends is that Positive Psychology research has found that we are indeed happier when we are part of a group that meets frequently to share and contribute to each other. Our ability to connect meaningfully with other people to contribute and to receive help is the key to success and be happy. The fact that all these tendencies are converging in finding means for our holistic well-being is a sign that those of us committed to such a journey are in fact headed in the right direction.

 

When employees are happier at work, your business will thrive. That's why DH offers virtual & on-site solutions designed to help you thrive at work & in life.

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About the Author

Delivering Happiness

In 1995, Javier started his first company, a Web design firm in Miami mostly focusing on providing services to small businesses and entrepreneurs. To do his job, he found himself asking questions about the founders, about their purpose, vision, values, products, and services. On many occasions, he realized the answers to these questions were not clear. So, he found himself coaching customers on how to clearly define the fundamental aspects of their business. He did it even as he realized it was not supposed to be part of the job. However, he enjoyed it tremendously! From these humble beginnings, Javier has built a career out of following his passion... helping people, and building tools to simplify their processes and create greater happiness at work.  You can follow Javier on Twitter @justaction!

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