The elusive nature of happiness, part 6

H = S + C + V
Happiness = Set Point + Conditions of Your Life + Volunteer Activities

The S and C account for ...60% of our happiness. "But that still leaves 40% which is really quite a lot." [Lyubomirsky] Liz Seymour

I'd like to know where they get their percentages. I think there are times when C can be a lot more than 60%. It can permeate the whole of life, even if we have happy moments.

We have to fight for the kind of life we want -- and that includes our happiness. Make the choices that increase our overall sense of well-being.

Martin Seligman, originator of the term 'positive psychology' [director of the Positive Psychology Center at the U of PA] divides the building blocks of happiness into two broad categories: pleasures and gratifications. Pleasures are sensual and emotional (a good meal...a back rub) but generally fleeting in their effect. Gratifications are those activities that call on our skills and strengths and give us a sense of a job well done. [He] divides [these] even further into what he calls 'signature strengths' -- marks of character such as perseverance, kindness, curiosity, and humility that make each of us the individuals that we are.

...[Haidt] assigned [psychology students] four activities: attend a lecture, perform an act of kindness, express gratitude to someone, [or]eat an ice cream cone. Only the ice cream cone failed to lift the student's mood for the whole day. ... "We are most fully engaged in life when we are part of something that isn't just for ourselves." Liz Seymour

Well, no wonder food is not really a comfort, if this holds true. Of course, we knew that empirically, but now it is confirmed. I'm still not ready to give up chocolate, but if I go for a while not eating it, I find I don't want it.

What things give you the best day or the best feeling about yourself or your life? Kindness and curiosity rank up there with keeping involved in life.

Karin

Originally posted 2007-09-24 21:04:27.

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