In Pursuit of Happiness: What is It & How Does It Happen?
Happy.
It’s a word we hear often: happy birthday, happy holidays, happy Halloween (it’s coming sooner than you think!) But being happy is not an idea reserved just for special occasions. In fact, it’s a state we all find ourselves striving for at one point or another. We all want to be happy. It's a universal desire that drives much of what we do. But how exactly does happiness happen? Is it something we can actively pursue, or does it simply occur by chance? For such a simple word, it can prove to be a rather elusive concept for most of us. So let’s talk about it…
Understanding Happiness
Before we dive into how happiness happens, it's crucial to understand what happiness really is.
You probably recognize the famous “pursuit of happiness” phrase in our title, a phrase originally written by Thomas Jefferson in 1776 as part of the Declaration of Independence. Jefferson & the other Founding Fathers were influenced by Enlightenment thinkers such as John Locke who wrote about "life, liberty, and property" as fundamental rights. Jefferson adapted these ideas, substituting "the pursuit of happiness" for "property." This change reflected a broader understanding of human fulfillment & well-being, aligning with Enlightenment ideals that one of the foremost individual rights is the potential for human progress & self-improvement. This is key in unlocking the secret of true happiness.
Today, psychologists often describe happiness as a combination of life satisfaction, positive emotions, & the absence of negative emotions. In other words, it’s not just about fleeting moments of joy, but a deeper sense of contentment & well-being.
“Happiness is when what you think, what you say, & what you do are in harmony.”
The Happiness Equation
While there's no magic formula for happiness, research suggests that our overall happiness level is influenced by three main factors:
Genetic Set Point (50%)
Our genes play a significant role in determining our baseline level of happiness.Life Circumstances (10%)
External factors like our job, income, & living situation have some impact, though less than we might think. This emphasizes the power of personal effort in enhancing happiness. Which brings us to the third factor:Intentional Activities (40%)
The choices we make & the actions we take have a substantial effect on our happiness levels.
The good news? That 40% gives us plenty of room to actively increase our happiness. As the Dalai Lama said, "Happiness is not something ready-made. It comes from your own actions."
How Happiness Happens
That’s all well & good, you say, but exactly what sort of actions are we talking about here? We’re glad you asked!
Cultivate Positive Relationships
Strong social connections are one of the most consistent predictors of happiness. Make time for friends & family, practice active listening, & show appreciation for the people in your life.Practice Gratitude
Regularly acknowledging the good things in your life can significantly boost your mood. Try keeping a gratitude journal or sharing your appreciation with others.Engage in Meaningful Activities
Pursue (there’s that word again!) hobbies & goals that align with your values & give you a sense of purpose. This could be volunteering, learning a new skill, or working towards a personal goal. This is where the intentionality towards progress & personal development that we talked about earlier comes into play.Take Care of Your Physical Health
Exercise regularly, eat a balanced diet, & get enough sleep. It’s no secret that physical well-being is closely linked to mental & emotional well-being.Practice Mindfulness
Being present in the moment can help reduce stress & increase positive emotions. Try meditation, mindful breathing, or simply paying more attention to your daily experiences.Perform Acts of Kindness
Helping others not only benefits them, but also increases your own happiness. Look for opportunities to be kind & generous in your daily life.Cultivate Optimism
Try to focus on the positive aspects of situations & maintain hope for the future. This doesn't mean ignoring problems, but rather approaching challenges with a constructive mindset. As Marcus Aurelius put it, "The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts."
The Paradox of Pursuing Happiness
Interestingly, research has shown that actively trying to be happy can sometimes backfire. I know, I know…we sound like we’re contradicting ourselves now, but hear us out. When we put too much pressure on ourselves to feel happy, we may end up feeling worse if we don't meet our expectations. Instead, focus on engaging in activities & behaviors that tend to produce happiness as a side effect.
“Happiness is not a goal... it’s a by-product of a life well-lived.”
Happiness is a Journey, Not a Destination
Remember, happiness isn't a fixed state that we achieve & then maintain forever. It's an ongoing process of growth, learning, & adaptation. There will always be ups & downs, but by understanding how happiness happens & actively engaging in happiness-promoting behaviors, we can increase our overall well-being for the long haul.
“The greatest happiness you can have is knowing that you do not necessarily require happiness.”
By understanding the science behind happiness & actively engaging in practices that promote well-being, we can all become more skilled in the art of happiness. It's not about achieving a perfect state of constant happiness, but rather about creating a life rich in meaning, positive emotions, & fulfilling relationships.
As Jim Rohn reminds us, "Happiness is not something you postpone for the future; it is something you design for the present."
Reflection Questions:
What activities or experiences tend to bring you the most happiness?
How can you incorporate more of these happiness-boosting elements into your daily life?
What's one small step you can take today to cultivate more happiness?