Quiz - Can Money Buy Happiness?
What does it take to be happy? How much money does it cost? And what about the things that we can't buy, like a meaningful career or deep personal relationships?
In this post, we'll explore the link between monetary success and life satisfaction. We'll also examine some of the lifestyle factors that many people believe leads to happiness, as well as factors you may not expect. It turns out there are many routes in life that can help you experience a sense of joy.
Money, Money, Money
In a recent global survey, only 17% of people said they would not like more money. The desire to make more money is deeply ingrained in human nature. We often feel that we need more than we have to be happy. We've all heard stories about lottery winners who win millions and then wind up divorced or bankrupt within just a few years. If a sudden influx of cash does not make us any happier than we were before the windfall, what does?
For most people, an increase in wealth will result in greater life satisfaction over time. But it doesn't happen overnight – it's a gradual process that unfolds over several months and even years after the event occurs. In fact, researchers have found that several positive life changes, such as getting married or having a child, also take time to result in greater happiness.
"We often feel that we need more than we have to be happy."
So what changes over time when your income goes up? It's not that you suddenly have the resources to buy material goods. What really changes is your sense of security and confidence about the future. You shift from a place of insecurity where everything is a struggle to one of security where you can relax and enjoy life more fully. As your income rises, you also learn to be content with what you already have and no longer want more just for the sake of wanting it.
A Whole Lot More to Life...What Else Can Make Us Happy?
"Material wealth brings great advantages – but not necessarily happiness." - Dalai Lama
Many people work hard to achieve financial security. But while money can help us live a better life, material wealth brings great advantages – but not necessarily happiness. Even though over 50% of Americans say that being rich is important, only 13% say it's important for them to be "very rich."
So if having extra money does not necessarily lead to enduring satisfaction, what does? The answer lies in the everyday things that we often take for granted. Good relationships are essential to an overall feeling of well-being. People who are in satisfying relationships tend to be happier, healthier and more successful than those who aren't.
"Good relationships are essential to an overall feeling of well-being."
Satisfying relationships include married couples and unmarried partners, close family members and friends, as well as mentors or role models. In one study, participants were asked a series of questions daily for two weeks. Some of the questions were designed to evoke positive feelings toward others (e.g., "Did you express your affection for someone today?"), while others were designed to evoke negative feelings (e.g., "Did you get into any arguments with someone today?"). Participants' moods were then assessed after they completed the daily survey.
The results showed that people experiencing positive emotions toward others were more likely to feel happy, while those who felt negatively toward their relationships were more likely to feel unhappy. This suggests that strong (or strained) relationships have a significant effect on our overall well-being and happiness.
We also tend to be happier when we're surrounded by people with whom we have common interests and are similar in some way. For example, researchers examined the relationships of students in specific programs within the same university. They found that students with academic interests or backgrounds similar to their roommates felt closer and more motivated compared to those whose roommates shared little or no interest with them.
"We tend to be happier when we're surrounded by people with whom we have common interests and are similar in some way."
This kind of "matching" may be especially important at work. In a study conducted by the Gallup Organization, when coworkers were matched according to job preference, ability and expertise, the moods of both groups tended to improve (however, this was only true for stressful jobs). This effect was particularly strong for people in management roles who could see the effects of their decisions on others.
So What is a Happy Person?
Money can't buy happiness; but it does seem that many things can make us happy. The good news is that money can ease the financial burden associated with these activities and relationships.
We know from research that one of the most important factors in determining happiness is our attitude toward life. The way we see the world around us (or even just a single day) has a significant impact on our overall sense of well-being. Studies show that individuals with a positive outlook are more likely to be engaged at work, have more satisfying relationships, enjoy better health and are generally better equipped to handle life's challenges.
"Studies show that individuals with a positive outlook are more likely to be engaged at work, have more satisfying relationships, enjoy better health and are generally better equipped to handle life's challenges.
So, what do happy people have in common? Here are some of the things that research has found to be true:
They're Optimistic. Happy people tend to see the world as a more positive place than others. They expect good things to happen and don't dwell on negative thoughts or unpleasant situations.
They Keep Things in Perspective. Happy people are able to focus on those things that are important rather than worrying about the little things. They take a long-term view and balance immediate concerns with their desire for future well-being.
They're Engaged at Work & Play. Happy people find enjoyment in the tasks they do at work and the things that bring them pleasure outside of work.
They Maintain Positive Relationships. Happy people have empathy for others and are able to form warm, supportive relationships.
They Appreciate the Little Things in Life. Happy individuals enjoy a wide variety of things from nature to hobbies and cuisine to vacations. They savor each moment and look for opportunities to experience beauty, nature or even a good meal!
They Take Time for Play & Relaxation. Happy people tend to give themselves permission to enjoy leisure activities. They make time for fun, whether it's exercising, socializing or playing games.
They're Well-Adjusted to Life's Changes. Happy individuals cope well with the inevitable setbacks that life presents. They see problems as challenges to be overcome rather than obstacles to happiness and success.
They Keep Things in Perspective. Happy people are able to focus on those things that are important rather than worrying about the little things. They take a long-term view and balance immediate concerns with their desire for future well-being.
Conclusion
After reading this article, you may think that becoming a happy person is easier said than done. To a certain extent, you're right. Happiness is partly genetic and the workaholics among us aren't likely to be satisfied with just one more hour in the office or one more item on our to-do list!
"Happiness is partly genetic and the workaholics among us aren't likely to be satisfied with just one more hour in the office or one more item on our to-do list!"
However, there are many things that anyone can do on their own behalf. We can all make decisions that will lead to greater happiness in our lives.