Happiness is something that we all strive for, but what exactly makes one happy in life?
Is it wealth, success, spirituality, or relationships?
The science of happiness explores the various factors that contribute to our overall sense of joy and satisfaction.
From genetics and personality traits to positive psychology interventions and social connections, numerous elements influence our happiness levels.
Understanding these factors will help us explore what makes one happy in life.
What Makes One Happy According to the PERMA Model
The PERMA model was developed by psychologist Martin Seligman and introduced in 2011 in his book Flourish.
PERMA stands for: Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishments. This model suggests that there are five key elements that contribute to our overall well-being and happiness. Let’s take a look at each of them.
Positive Emotions
The first element is positive emotions, which involves experiencing positive feelings such as joy, gratitude, and love.
When we take time to notice the things that go right – it means we’re getting a lot of little rewards throughout the day.
Martin seligman
To feel positive emotions, appreciate what you have and every little thing that is going well in your life. For example, notice how good it feels to:
- fill your lungs with air and exhale
- touch your skin after applying moisturizer
- use everyday appliances that work
- drink fresh water
- breathe effortlessly
- walk
When you feel upset or in a bad mood because something unexpected came up or something did not work as expected, take a break, and focus on counting all the things that are good in your life.
There are always more things to be grateful for than negative circumstances.
Engagement
The E in PERMA stands for engagement, which refers to being fully absorbed and immersed in activities that we enjoy.
In the Pursuit of Pleasure, engagement, and meaning, engagement is identified as an individual predictor or well-being. The results of the study suggest that engaging in meaningful activities may impact our well being more than the pursuit of pleasure (Schueller & Seligman).
We feel engaged when we work on a project that we feel interested and curious about. To feel immersed in the activity it’s important that we have the basic skills needed to make progress.
To be happy in life it’s good to have a list of activities that you can easily engage in to boost your positive feelings.
Become aware of activities that you enjoy and schedule some time to engage with them every day.
The best moments in our lives, are not the passive, receptive, relaxing times. The best moments usually occur when a person’s body or mind is stretched to its limits in a voluntary effort to accomplish something difficult and worthwhile.”
Mihaly Csikszentmihaly
Relationships
The third element is relationships, emphasizing the importance of positive and meaningful connections with others.
Positive relationships that will increase your feelings of happiness include most of these components:
- respect
- common values
- empathy
- caring for each other
- flexibility
- understanding
- communication
- trust
- shared decisions
There is only one happiness in this life, to love and be loved.
george sand
It’s important to connect and spend time with people in your life that you value.
However, if at this time you don’t have a significant other in your life you may enjoy reading How to be Happy Alone Even if You Want a Relationship.
Meaning
The fourth element is meaning, which involves having a sense of purpose and direction in life.
To find out what makes one happy in life, make a list of your values.
Ask yourself, what can I contribute to make the world a better place. This could be providing for your family, making sure kids go to school every day, or encouraging loved ones.
While you can’t control your experiences, you can control your explanations.
Martin Seligman
Accomplishment
Finally, the fifth element is accomplishment, which includes setting and achieving goals.
Set long and short term goals that are motivating and are aligned with your values.
Here you can find more tips on How Working on Your Goals Makes You Happy.
“Authentic happiness derives from raising the bar for yourself, not rating yourself against others.”
Martin seligman
By understanding these elements and how they interact with each other, we can uncover what makes one happy in life.
Let’s take a look at how genetics impacts what makes one happy in life.
The Role of Genetics in Happiness
While factors such as positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning, and accomplishment play a significant role in our happiness, it is also essential to consider the influence of genetics. Research suggests that there is a genetic component to our overall well-being and happiness.
Studies have shown that approximately 50% of our happiness levels can be attributed to genetic factors.
This means that some individuals may naturally have a disposition for higher levels of happiness, while others may be more prone to feelings of sadness or anxiety.
At bottom every man knows well enough that he is a unique being, only once on this earth; and by no extraordinary chance will such a s marvelously picturesque piece of diversity in unity as he is, ever be put together a second time.
friedrich nietzsche
Genetic variations in certain neurotransmitters and hormones, such as serotonin and dopamine, can impact our mood and emotions. For example, individuals with a genetic variation that affects the production or functioning of serotonin may be more prone to experiencing depressive symptoms.
However, it is important to note that genetics is not the only determinant of our happiness.
While we may have a genetic predisposition, it is within our control to cultivate positive emotions, engage in meaningful activities, foster relationships, find purpose, and achieve our goals.
In the next section, we will explore how our life circumstances impact what makes one happy in life.
The Influence of Life Circumstances on Happiness
While genetics can certainly play a role in our overall happiness levels, it is important to recognize the impact of life circumstances as well. Our external environment and the events that occur in our lives can significantly affect our happiness.
Research has shown that certain life circumstances, such as income and socioeconomic status, can influence our well-being.
It is not surprising that individuals with higher incomes and better financial stability tend to report higher levels of happiness. This is likely because having financial resources can provide a sense of security, freedom, and the ability to meet one’s needs and desires.
Other factors, such as health, relationships, and work-life balance, also play a crucial role in determining our happiness. Good physical health, positive and supportive relationships, and a sense of fulfillment in our professional lives can greatly contribute to our overall well-being.
However, it is important to note that life circumstances are not the sole determinants of our happiness either. While we cannot control every aspect of our external environment, we do have the power to cultivate positive emotions, engage in activities that bring us joy, prioritize self-care, and work towards personal growth and fulfillment.
In the next section, we will delve deeper into the strategies and practices that can help us navigate life circumstances and enhance our happiness.
The Power of Positive Thinking and Gratitude
Practicing positive thinking and gratitude are two crucial components of what makes one happy in life.
Our mindset plays a significant role in how we perceive and interpret life circumstances. By consciously shifting our focus towards the positive aspects of our lives, we can train our brains to become more optimistic and resilient.
“I am happy because I’m grateful. I choose to be grateful. That gratitude allows me to be happy.
will arnett
One effective way to cultivate positive thinking is through practicing gratitude. Taking the time each day to reflect on and appreciate the things we are grateful for can shift our attention away from negativity and towards the abundance and blessings in our lives. This simple practice can help us find joy even in the midst of challenges.
The heart that gives thanks is a happy one, for we cannot feel thankful and unhappy at the same time.
douglas Wood
Numerous studies have shown that regularly practicing gratitude can lead to increased happiness, improved mental health, and enhanced overall life satisfaction.
Gratitude helps us develop a greater sense of contentment, as we learn to appreciate the small pleasures and meaningful connections that enrich our lives.
The Importance of Social Connections
In addition to positive thinking and gratitude, another significant factor of what makes one happy in life is our social connections.
Human beings are inherently social creatures, and maintaining meaningful relationships and connections with others is vital for our overall well-being.
Research has consistently shown that having a strong support system and meaningful social connections has numerous benefits, including increased happiness and life satisfaction. When we have people in our lives who we can trust, rely on, and confide in, we experience a sense of belonging and love that contributes to our overall happiness.
Moreover, social connections provide us with opportunities for personal growth, learning, and shared experiences. Whether it’s a close friend, a partner, or a supportive community, these connections provide us with a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
There are different ways in which social connections can enhance our happiness and well-being. From fostering deep connections to building new relationships.
Let’s find out how helping others can make one happy.
The Impact of Helping Others
When it comes to social connections and happiness, one factor that cannot be overlooked is the impact of helping others. Research has shown that engaging in acts of kindness and generosity not only benefits those we help but also has a profound effect on our own well-being.
Helping others can take many forms, from volunteering at a local charity to simply lending a listening ear to a friend in need. These acts of kindness release feel-good hormones, such as oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin, which can boost our mood and overall happiness.
Moreover, helping others allows us to cultivate empathy and compassion, which are essential qualities for building strong and meaningful relationships. By extending a helping hand, we strengthen our social bonds and create a sense of belonging within our communities.
In the next section, we will explore how mindfulness can increase one’s feelings of happiness.
Cultivating Happiness through Mindfulness and Emotional Well-being
In addition to helping others, cultivating mindfulness and emotional well-being is another key factor in experiencing happiness. Mindfulness refers to the practice of being fully present and aware of the present moment, without judgment or attachment to thoughts or emotions.
Being mindful means that we suspend judgment for a time, set aside our immediate goals for the future, and take in the present moment as it is, rather than as we would like it to be.
J. Mark G. Williams
Research has shown that engaging in mindfulness practices, such as meditation and deep breathing exercises, can reduce stress and anxiety, enhance emotional regulation, and improve overall well-being. By training our minds to be more present and focused, we can develop a greater sense of peace and contentment in our lives.
Furthermore, focusing on emotional well-being involves recognizing and acknowledging our feelings, both positive and negative, and finding healthy ways to express and process them. This includes engaging in activities that bring us joy and fulfillment, practicing self-care, and seeking support from trusted individuals when needed.
In the following section, we will explore how having a purpose in life impacts our happiness.
Pursuing Meaning and Purpose in Life
Having a sense of meaning and purpose in life is a fundamental component of happiness. When we have a clear understanding of what brings us fulfillment and align our actions with our values, we experience a deep sense of satisfaction and joy.
True happiness… is not attained through self-gratification, but through fidelity to a worthy purpose.
helen keller
Research has consistently shown that individuals who have a strong sense of purpose tend to be happier and more resilient in the face of adversity. They have a greater sense of direction and motivation, which helps them navigate life’s challenges with resilience and perseverance.
To cultivate meaning and purpose in our lives, it is important to reflect on our values and goals, and identify the activities and experiences that bring us a sense of fulfillment. It may involve exploring our passions, pursuing meaningful relationships, contributing to the community, or making a positive difference in the world.
What Makes One Happy in Life?
When we align our actions with our values and pursue activities that bring us fulfillment, we experience a deep sense of satisfaction and joy.
Research has shown that individuals with a strong sense of purpose are happier and more resilient, able to navigate life’s challenges with greater ease.
“Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.”
Mahatma Gandhi
To cultivate meaning and purpose, it is important to reflect on our values and goals, and identify the activities and experiences that bring us fulfillment.
This may involve exploring our passions, nurturing meaningful relationships, contributing to our community, or making a positive difference in the world.
By embracing the science of happiness and actively pursuing our purpose, we can enhance our overall happiness and live a more fulfilling life.
What is the first step you will take to find out what makes you happy in life? Let me know in the comments below.
