It was told that Dr Bruce Wells is a happiness expert with a doctorate in psychology and degrees in health promotion and physical education.  Moreover he has over 20 years experience in the health and wellness industry.   What a varied career he has had,  in Australia, Asia, and the Middle East as a former school teacher, university professor, international tour guide,  scuba instructor and author.   His address highlighted the essentials from his book Happiness Anywhere Anytime.

Bruce told of his mathematics/numbers bent and how he sought to condense into a series of practical steps and compartments  all those subjective aspects of life which impact an individual's well being and happiness.   In a very entertaining yet thought provoking address he cleverly cataloged those various aspects into 4 steps, hence the title.  His use of numbers and percentages, pie charts. and statistical surveys to key questions re happiness cleverly brought a tangible feel to his view of the drivers which impact that. 

Complementing stories of research studies and his own personal examples were condensed into the material under 4 headings or steps.

First,  "Live from Inside Out" touches on the importance to live to ones own values (true to self) and not other's expectations, use one strengths and focus on a meaningful purpose each day.

Second was the "Positive Attitude" and a drive each day to see/count the positive points rather than the negative.   Watching the TV news is contrary to this! .  The goal each day is set up a 5:1 ratio, sufficing with 3:1.

"Live in the Present" was the third reminder.   This might come from avoiding aimless mind wandering and rather focus on one thing, ie the "now".   Bruce told of some amusing statistics found by research and reinforced (?)  with his simple  audience's  exercise in ranking the focus of an individual when exercising, making love, having conversation and surfing the internet.  The audience view did not match the research findings.............  

Finally is the goal to "Fully Connect with Others" , ie acknowledging gratitude,  concentrating on  similarities, pursuing quality time  and generally servicing relationships.  

With high audience interest question time was extended.  Some recurring themes resonated.   Employ ones strengths in work or play, it sustains interest and pleasure.  Take a long term view on personal development, one grows all the time, having unrealistic short term goals for success or happiness say to be a CEO two years after graduation from university, mostly is bound to be unachievable, or at best lead to a short term limited high, but ultimate long term hollow down. 

A great address Bruce, thank you.   Doubtless all left with at least one or two points to contemplate and act upon.