What’s more important than happiness? Believe it or not – nothing! The catechism declares that God has embedded the longing for happiness in every human heart. St. Augustine, an expert on happiness, wrote: “We all want to live happily; in the whole human race there is no one who does not assent to this proposition, even before it is fully articulated.” Thomas Aquinas adds: “Man cannot live without joy.” So your question is right on target. Here are three of 12 principles. More to come later.

1. Buddy-up with God. The highest happiness is in the soul. The deeper your relationship with Christ, the higher your happiness – in every, and all circumstances. Research shows that having an on-the-job best friend at work is critical for happiness in the workplace. God is your closest, kindest, smartest, most reliable, ultimate and eternal friend. He is the essence of happiness and perfectly happy in his own infinite beatitude. Never leave home or punch in without him (pray every morning). Fraternize with him on the job. And make friends with others (love thy neighbor) at the same time.

2. Own your own. Why hand your happiness over to someone or something else? Certainly you can enjoy the external pleasantries and positives of your work and workplace. But immediately and ultimately you’re in the driver’s seat for your happiness. Don’t hand the keys or wheel over to your boss, co-workers, customers or circumstances. Stay free and self-possessed.

3. Practice the virtues. Virtue = Happiness. The Boy Scouts cite 12: trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent. Not a bad checklist for happiness at work or in life.