A Positive Life

The pursuit of happiness is as American as apple pie.  The recipe for getting happy, however, is more elusive.  Based on media advertising, our pursuit seems focused on the consumption of goods, antidepressants, and food.  Is there a better recipe?

The new field of positive psychology offers a resouding yes.  Based on research compiled by psychologists Sonja Lyobomirsky, David Schkade and Ken Sheldon, the formula for enduring happiness is H = S + C + V.  It looks a little intimidating, but it's really quite simple.  Our happiness depends on three factors:  our emotional set point (S), our life circumstances (C) and the activities we voluntarily do (V).

These three elements are not equally weighted.  Half of our happiness is determined by S, our biologically fixed set point for mood.  Similar to our set point for weight, our genetic heritage predisposes us to be emotionally sunny-side up or sunny-side down.  While at times we move up or down the mood scale, we have a strong tendancy to revert back to our set point.  This is terrific if you were born with a cheery disposition.  If your family genes are on the sad and pessimistic side, don't despair.  There's good news coming.

The most surprising finding about this equation is that life circumstances (C) account for only 10 percent of our happiness.  It matters little whether we are weathy or poor, healthy or ill, married or unattached or in a job we like vs. one we don't.  While we might feel elated after winning the lottery or miserable after a devastating loss, eventually we'll revert to our set point (S) and therefore to our usual happiness level.  We like to believe that losing 10 pounds or inheriting a small fortune are the keys to bliss, but research shows otherwise.

The most important part of this formula is voluntary activities (V), those actions we undertake to make ourselves feel better.  V contributes 40 percent toward our happiness.  Even if you're stuck with a lousy set point, what you intentionally do can increase positive feelings and experiences and sustain greater life satisfaction.  Our actions, the recipe ingredient most within our control, significantly influence our sense of well-being. 

So what activities will help to promote enjoyment and flourishing?  Pay attention to what warms your heart, makes you giggle, or gives you a feeling of contentment.  Write those things down so you'll remember.  Cultivate and savor pleasant experiences often.  Make the most of your 40 percent!