Formula for Happiness
Happiness and the Positive Psychology basics…
By studying thousands and thousands of people all over the globe PP founders and researchers were able to identify some universal aspects of subjective well being (“happiness”).
Several different ways of understanding happiness have come out of this movement and things continue to evolve.
There is a formula for happiness: H = 50%SP + 10%C + 40%VC
SP= SET POINT
These are the hereditary factors and personality factors that contribute to your worldview.
Some people are born more optimistic.
Some people are prone toward happiness.
This accounts for 50% of your subjective well being. YOU CAN’T CHANGE THIS
C= CIRCUMSTANCES
These are the conditions of your life at any given time.
Financial issues; work issues; health issues; family issues…all of these will “push up” or “pull down” your level of subjective well being.
However, on the whole/over the long haul circumstances only impacts happiness at only 10%.
For example, if you are sick you will only be able to get to a certain level of happiness.
YOU MAY OR MAY NOT BE ABLE TO INFLUENCE THIS.
Think serenity prayer.
VC= VOLUNTARY CONTROL
These are the intentional actions we can take on a day to day basis to improve our outlook and mood.
Our happiness level will increase if we intentionally engage in happiness enhancing interventions.
These interventions can improve your mood despite circumstances or set point.
EXAMPLES INCLUDE:
3 GOOD THINGS
Write down 3 positive things that happened for you today.
Be very specific. Do it everyday for 30 days.
FREE THREE
- Spend time outside
- Laugh
- Listen to music
GRATITUDE JOURNAL
You can thank me later…
