True Happiness

WHO HAS HIGH LEVELS OF ENDURING HAPPINESS AND WHY?

Those who have high levels of enduring happiness are those who…

  • Use “signature strengths” or personal strengths and abilities in many areas of their lives.
  • Are involved in something they believe is bigger (beyond) than themselves. A combination of factors one and two causes many of them to describe their daily work as a “calling” rather than a job or career.
  • Have substituted some of the pleasurable pursuits (transient, we adapt very quickly & take them for granted) for more deeply meaningful pursuits (enduring).
  • Have become more and more selfless which is defined as “willing to be inconvenienced for the sake of others.”
  • Have many close friends who they help and are helped by. The wider and deeper the relationships, the better (happier).
  • Have higher levels of Volunteerism.
  • More religious (characterized as a belief in something greater than self).
  • Have developed an abundance of gratitude defined by counting blessings for good things that happen and expressing them.
  • Have given themselves “permission to be human.” Accept emotions (fear, sadness, anziety, etc.) as natural and therefore, easier to overcome them.
  • Have a tendency to simplify their life. They have removed themself from “the Rat Race.” Not comparing or “keeping up” anymore. They have removed envy.