Finland is a country that seeks a goal of work-life balance for its people, because statistics have proven this balance creates an increased productivity workforce. Finland has made a point of implementing flexible work schedules for years. A 1996 law gave most employees the right to adjust their own work schedules. Finland’s prime minister is currently pushing for a 20 hour workweek.

In addition, workers get 36 days off per year and there are extended leave days on holidays. A flexible work schedule, thirty-day plus vacations, and a gold standard health care system, all add up to, according to Forbes magazine, making Finland the happiest country in the world.

Minimalism in life, means owning the minimal number of possessions one needs. Less is more. A true minimalist doesn’t buy things just to have them, they only own those things they deem essential. Many minimalists believe that by removing the distraction of excess possessions, they are decluttering their lives so they can focus on the things that really matter, like being happy. Minimalists believe a lot of time is being wasted maintaining, thinking about, and being consumed by our materialism. The never ending urge to buy, buy, buy. Gluttony is one of the seven deadly sins. This is what the minimalist seeks to avoid embracing.The overindulgence and overconsumption of anything to the point of waste. Therefore, we must all be aware of minimizing our consumption and, instead, focusing on only those things that are truly necessary. We should commit to decluttering our lives of the unnecessary. Chasing material possessions does not make a person happy. Self-Awareness is the key in all avenues in life. If you are reading this book, you are headed in the right direction in your pursuit of happiness.