Happiness. We all want it. We have a whole “self-help” industry built around it. Yet, sadly, many seem to never achieve it.

According to research, one of the keys to happiness is satisfaction, the joy that comes from the fulfillment of our wishes or expectations. However, so many times in life, no matter what we achieve, acquire, or do, satisfaction seems elusive.

Many years ago, the great writer Kurt Vonnegut was at a party with another great writer, Joseph Heller, at the home of a wealthy finance executive. As they were talking, Vonnegut remarked to Heller that their host had made more money that day than either of them would make in a lifetime. Heller responded that he had one thing their host would never have: “Enough.”

What Heller hit on is a critical key to satisfaction: the knowledge that we have enough, and that less time spent wanting and more time spent being content with the knowledge that we have all that’s necessary, is what is really needed to increase happiness.

This is Thanksgiving week in the US and a great time to begin a habit that will help you shift to an “enough” mindset. What I am suggesting is a gratitude practice which means spending a few minutes each day considering at least 3 things you are grateful for. They don’t have to be huge or earth-shaking or remarkable, just things that make your life a life of satisfaction. Begin today. There’s no better time.

Happy Thanksgiving!

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