What the world’s top experts say about true happiness
What happens when about a dozen leading authorities and pioneers with a combined 600 years of research experience in the well-being domain sit down to discuss happiness? Lara Aknin, professor of social psychology at Simon Fraser University in Canada, got on a Zoom call earlier this year with 12 other distinguished researchers who have spent decades examining happiness. Insights and takeaways from the conversation that explored both science and real-life experience led to a paper published in the ‘Journal of Happiness Studies’(opens in new window).
The social circle
Did what they learn change their view on life or how they live? “Happiness emerges from a symphony of factors, but if I had to pinpoint one secret to happiness, relationships with other people might be it,” commented co-author Aknin, who also co-edits the annual World Happiness Report(opens in new window), in a news item(opens in new window). “Having relationships is one of the most reliable predictors of happiness that has emerged from a robust body of evidence spanning the social sciences,” she explained. “We know that having just one person you can count on is extremely consequential. Having more relationships and more communities that you feel a part of compounds that sense of well-being.” The experts also looked into well-being. Happy people are not happy all the time, and happiness is not just for people with ideal lives or sunny dispositions. Aknin notes that simple choices, self-awareness and adaptability build happiness – even in hard times. Several other key takeaways emerged from the insightful talk. While financial security provides a vital foundation, extra money fails to create more happiness once basic needs are met. Doing work that feels worthwhile and aligns with personal values also plays a powerful role in building lasting joy. Furthermore, people can actively grow their happiness through intentional daily habits such as practicing gratitude, cherishing positive moments, volunteering and staying socially connected.
The importance of daily routine
Some of the major happiness models suggest that life circumstances account for up to 10 % of happiness, but our daily choices drive 40 %. “That leaves a lot of opportunity for people who may be more innately pessimistic to start practising research-backed strategies like meditation or gratitude that might help them see the world in a more positive way,” added Aknin. She also wants to put this research into practice so that it directly benefits people. “With many large and threatening realities taking place in the world right now, I sometimes worry that the pursuit of happiness can seem trite. But one reason I remain committed to the scientific study of happiness is that happiness in and of itself predicts a number of valuable outcomes, including the motivation to help other people.” Aknin further elaborated: “When people feel they are doing well, they have the ability, the capability, and the motivation to engage in world affairs—to take care of the people they love and take care of their communities.” Investing in others always comes back to us, she concluded. “Generosity is not zero-sum.”
