In the film "Hector and the Search for Happiness" (2014), psychiatrist Hector (played by Simon Pegg), lives a very secure and punctuated life back in London. One day, he decides to step out of his comfort zone and begins a journey in search for happiness, a journey that takes him all over the world.

Trailer:

The film has met some mixed reviews, but I thoroughly enjoyed it and give the film four out of five.

Hector's Happiness List

In the movie, there's a nice set of lessons and insights that Hector learned, that will lead to greater happiness. The following happiness list differs somewhat from the one found in the film, since this list is taken from François Lelord's novel of the same name:

1. Making comparisons can spoil your happiness
2. Happiness often comes when least expected
3. Many people only see happiness in their future
4. Many people think happiness comes from having more power or more money
5. Sometimes happiness is not knowing the whole story
6. Happiness is a long walk in beautiful, unfamiliar mountains
7. It’s a mistake to think that happiness is the goal
8. Happiness is being with the people you love; unhappiness is being separated from the people you love
9. Happiness is knowing that your family lacks for nothing
10. Happiness is doing a job you love
11. Happiness is having a home and a garden of your own
12. It’s harder to be happy in a country run by bad people
13. Happiness is feeling useful to others
14. Happiness is to be loved for exactly who you are (People are kinder to a child who smiles)
15. Happiness comes when you feel truly alive
16. Happiness is knowing how to celebrate
17. Happiness is caring about the happiness of those you love
18. Happiness is not attaching too much importance to what other people think
19. The sun and the sea make everybody happy
20. Happiness is a certain way of seeing things
21. Rivalry poisons happiness
22. Women care more than men about making others happy
23. Happiness means making sure that those around you are happy

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Photo credit: Poster via Flickering Myth.