The Real Science Behind Happiness

In a massively important study about what makes people happy, Sonja Lyubomirsky, Ken Sheldon, and David Schkade proposed a formula for happiness after extensive research on twins.

They found that genetically, people have a natural temperament that leaves them at a certain “set point” of happiness. This they believe accounts for 50% of a person’s level of happiness.

Next they looked at circumstances surrounding a person’s life, including “income, family dynamics, health, and the place you live; all of which can be changed, but usually not very easily or quickly.” They found circumstances accounted for only 10% of someone’s level of happiness. That left a massive forty percent to still be accounted for.

The researchers found that daily “intentional activities” accounted for the remaining 40% of a person’s happiness. These include what you consistently think and say to yourself, as well as what actions you take each day. In short, almost half of your happiness is due to your daily self-talk, choices, and activities, all within your control.

The challenge for many people is that the evidence shows only about 5% of people have a vision for what they are to do with their life. The other 95% had their vision criticized and so they gave it up.

Next, consider the elephant in the room. What role does money really play when it comes to happiness? The reality is that research has shown that having an excess of more money than is needed to pay for a descent standard of living does not bring more joy. Studies have consistently shown that once basic needs are taken care of, any more money a person has above that needed income does little (if anything) to bring more fulfillment.

(Lest we sound too flippant, the honest truth is that being broke can be incredibly stressful. In fact, in 95% of divorces couples cited arguments about money problems as the number one reason for their conflict. However, overall it is not income but experiences that bring the most passion to life.)

It is important to be honest in your own assessment of where you are in the areas of happiness and goals and relationships and finances. You have a happiness set point, but half of your level of fulfillment comes from your intentional thoughts and actions.

But you can’t go to where you need to be without first knowing where you are. It is helpful to simply rate where you are in the major areas of life on a scale of 1 to 10 (with 10 being perfect). Now, where do you want to go in these areas? (Not every area needs to be a 10). Now, what needs to be done to bridge the gap from where you are to where you want to be? Lastly, as has been often said, when would now be a good time to start.