Wouldn’t it be nice if we knew exactly how happy a new car, career or relationship would make us? Well, this is doable in part. Use these scientifically rubber-stamped pointers to make better, brighter decisions: 1) Avoid negative things that you cannot grow accustomed to, such as commuting, noise or chronic stress. 2) Expect only short-term happiness from material things, such as cars, houses, lottery winnings, bonuses and prizes. 3) Aim for as much free time and autonomy as possible, since long-lasting positive effects generally come from what you actively do. Follow your passions even if you must forfeit a portion of your income for them. Invest in friendships. For most people, professional status achieves long-lasting happiness, as long as they don’t change peer groups at the same time. In other words, if you ascend to a CEO role and fraternise only with other executives, the effect fizzles out