A few weeks ago, the 2022 World Happiness Report was released. For the past 10 years, this global survey measures happiness and the indicators that cause happiness. The field of happiness has exploded over the past ten years; there is more awareness about the field, there has been an increase in research in the field, and an understanding that we each have agency in the ability to make ourselves happy. The science of happiness has helped measure and explain happiness, with a tremendous increase in academic research on the topic. When looking at a country’s quality of life, GDP may be one indicator, but an increasing metric is happiness, so much so that there are trends tying happiness with progress.
Whether you refer to life satisfaction, well-being, quality of life, or happiness, people all over the world have realized that it is not how much money you have or how many things you acquire that make you happy. Genetics play a role in 50% of your happiness and 10% is based on your circumstances, leaving 40% of your thoughts, actions, and activities in determining your happiness. That means that you have quite a bit of control in determining your happiness. If you are intentional about focusing on areas of your life that will bring you more happiness and create habits that set you on the right path, you CAN increase your happiness levels. Everything from positive relationships – with yourself and others, living a life of meaning and being mindful, experiencing all emotions and building resilience, physical well-being, as well as learning and experiencing new things, will help you grow into your best self and will greatly influence your happiness levels.
What are YOU doing to make sure that you are making the most of this 40%?
I find this whole field fascinating and decided to delve deeper by becoming a Certified Life Coach and a Certified Happiness Trainer; I am in the process of completing a Certificate in Happiness Studies. I offer individual life coaching sessions, as well as workshops on a variety of topics. For more information, contact me.
