Nah, didn’t think so. A Gallup survey in November 2013 showed Singapore to be a steadfastly stoic country – the most emotionless among 150 countries. More recently, in January 2014, a regional survey by recruiting firm Randstad Group showed that Singaporeans are the unhappiest employees in Asia.
It sure sounds difficult to be happy.
And that’s where the website #100happydays comes in – it challenges you to be happy for 100 consecutive days.
In a fast-paced society where a busy schedule has become something to take pride in, #100happydays urges users to find the things in life that makes them happy.
The method is simple: take a picture of one thing that made you happy during the course of your day. It could be a cuddly puppy, a delicious lunch, or something as simple as getting off work early. Then, share your picture via your favourite social media platform, be it Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, or – for the introvert – email. Using the hashtag #100happydays (or your own custom hashtag for privacy), track the things that makes you happy over the course of 100 days.
While it does seem like a long period of time, there is an end goal in sight: the challenge aims for the user to better appreciate the little things in life and start actively noticing things that make them happy, instead of unhappy.
Plus, you also get a little 100-page book of your 100 happy things at the end of your 100 happy days! Although this has not yet been confirmed to be true (possibly because nobody has made it to Day 100 yet), it’s still something nice to look forward to.
So far, no party has stepped forward to claim responsibility for the challenge, but a great many people seem to be taking to it with gusto.
The creators of the website feel that the increased speed of life has impacted people today in a way that they “there is less and less time to enjoy the moment that you are in”. They add: “The ability to appreciate the moment, the environment and yourself in it, is the base for the bridge towards long term happiness of any human being.”
According to the creators, “71% of people tried to complete this challenge, but failed quoting lack of time as the main reason. These people simply did not have time to be happy. Do you?”
Decked in bright yellow, the website chirps cheerfully that the challenge is “not a happiness competition or a showing off contest. If you try to please/ make others jealous via your pictures – you lose without even starting. Same goes for cheating.”
Sound advice to bear in mind while in the pursuit of happiness. I’ve accepted the challenge. Will you?
Also read: [SHOCKING] 70% of Singaporeans are currently looking for a job