English Literature – Articles ☆ Positive Education # 11: Happiness Equation ☆ Shri Jagat Singh Bisht ☆

Factors under our voluntary control

“We cannot reach happiness by consciously searching for it. It is being fully involved with every detail of our lives, whether good or bad, that we find happiness, not by trying to look for it directly. The true secret of happiness lies in taking a genuine interest in all the details of daily life.”

William Morris

You feel happy after having chocolate or a serving of ice-cream. That happiness does not last long. It is momentary happiness.

You feel sad when you lose a game or fare poorly in a test. That sadness also does not last long. You return to your normal level of happiness soon. It is the enduring level of happiness that you experience most of the time in your life.

The enduring level of happiness is different from momentary happiness. Momentary level of happiness may change with small burst of positive feelings.

The Happiness Formula:

H = S + C + V

where H represents the enduring level of happiness, S is the set range, C is the circumstances of life, and V represents the variables under our voluntary control.

Set Range

Almost 50% of our inherent happiness level is genetic. This means that we can only be as happy as our parents or grandparents. That is the set range of happiness.

Furthermore, there are two barriers to becoming happier forever:

The Happiness Thermostat

Whether good fortune comes our way or misfortune strikes, the built-in happiness thermostat reverts us to our personal set range.

The Hedonic Treadmill

This causes you to adapt to good things rapidly. As you accumulate material possessions and accomplishments, your expectations rise.

Circumstances of Life

It is possible, but sometimes impractical, to bring about an increase in happiness level by changing the life circumstances. Only 10% of our happiness depends on the circumstances of life. Let us consider how some circumstances impact happiness:

Money

Wealth is necessary for life satisfaction but, beyond a certain level, added wealth brings no further life satisfaction. People who, value money more than other goals are less satisfied with their life.

Marriage

Married people are generally happier than unmarried people.

Health

Objective health is barely related to happiness; what matters is our subjective perception of how healthy we are. Moderate ill health does not lead to unhappiness, but severe illness does.

Education, Climate, Race, and Gender

None of them matter much for happiness.

Religion

Religious people are somewhat more happy and more satisfied with life than nonreligious people.

Place of living

To be happier, live in a wealthy democracy, not in an impoverished dictatorship.

Voluntary Activities

The good news is that 40% of happiness depends on factors under our voluntary control. If you decide to change them, and make the required efforts in the direction, your level of happiness is likely to increase lastingly.

You can make yourself happier by taking up activities, intentionally and voluntarily, that bring joy and happiness.

You can create your own happiness by engaging in exercise, yoga, meditation, helping someone, being kind, expressing gratitude, and savouring life’s little pleasures.

“Your acts of kindness can have a big impact on other people’s lives. But what about you? Don’t you feel better when you help someone?

“Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud.”

Maya Angelou

English Literature – Articles ☆ Positive Education # 10: Myths and Reality ☆ Shri Jagat Singh Bisht ☆

© Jagat Singh Bisht