Why 80% of Entrepreneurs are Happy – and why you might not be

According to a new study, 35 percent of small business owners are “extremely happy” that they work for themselves. Another 42 percent are “very happy.”

That means that almost 80 percent of the entrepreneurs surveyed are walking around with smiles on their faces. If not actual, physical smiles, then mental smiles.

Statistically, this is relevant. Eighty percent? That’s a lot a percent!

To give some perspective, in a World Values Study only 59 percent of the population of Brazil claimed to be happy. Fifty nine percent! And they have sandy white beaches and Carnival.

King of The Hill
So, why are so many entrepreneurs so pleased with themselves despite the fact that we are in one of the toughest economic times in recent history?

I’m sure this is partly due to the fact that they are following their dreams. I’m sure this is partly due to the fact that they are building their legacy. I’m sure this is partly due to the fact that they believe they are going to make a difference in the world.

I’m also sure that this is partly due to the simple fact that it’s good to be the boss.

When asked, more than a third of the entrepreneurs bosses surveyed said they would never consider working for someone else again.

Hmmm. You don’t say.

Other random facts on happiness: (supplied by the Daily Beast)

Starbucks regulars are 2% happier than McDonald’s regulars. (Maybe because of the availability of the 2% milk)

Older people are 18% happier than young folk. (Maybe because they’re no longer working for overly happy bosses. Or maybe it’s because they can say things like ‘young folk’)

Married people are 19% happier than single people. (Or so they tell their spouses)

…and…

If you live within a ½ mile of a happy friend, you’re 42% more likely to be happy yourself….

So, if you’re working in a startup for an entrepreneur boss, and you consider him to be a friend…chances are that you are happy too. Just like your boss.

You just might not know it.

Working for Wonka? Know this: Your boss loves what he’s doing. Might be hard to tell through all the chaos, fatigue, and crazy stress that comes with a startup. But deep down, your boss is happy as a clam. Wouldn’t you be?

Not feeling happy today? Watch this 50 second inspirational video. If this happy kid doesn’t get you smiling, you might as well go back to bed.