In the start-up space, one of the core commandments is to create a MVP: a Minimum Viable Product. This MVP is a version of a product with just the minimum number of features for it to be usable by early customers. This is great for receiving quick feedback to improve.

Similarly, the Minimum Viable Happiness (MVH) is the minimum number of features one needs in their life to be happy. It’s the scenario where you think, “even if everything else goes wrong, I’m okay with this right now.”

Everybody has their own MVH. One person might require an en-suite to be fulfilled; another could be content sleeping amidst nature. One person might need to be surrounded by friends and activity; another could find solitude totally blissful.

Recently, I’ve been testing different MVHs for myself. One day, I continuously listened to music to see if solitude was necessary for my happiness. That was a really miserable day. Now I know having some quiet is critical for my health.

Another day, I decided to not write anything to see if writing was important. No notes, journaling or typing. That day was also excruciating. Now I know I need to be able to write to get through the day.

So far, my MVH is pretty low. To be happy, all I really need is some quiet, somewhere to write on and a few close friends, plus around $50 a week to cover food and water. Having a comfortable bed, being around nature and living in moderate temperatures are a great bonus, but unnecessary.

As well as cultivating gratitude, clarifying your MVH also helps you focus your attention. If you know what keeps you content, you can now focus on other priorities such as learning new things or bettering the world, knowing you’ll be happy with anything.

Here’s to more MVH testing.