Happiness & Optimism

Happiness is all about being optimistic.

The Webster’s defines happiness as the quality or state of being happy; a pleasurable or a satisfying experience.

What would make us happy? We tend to consider all temporary little accomplishments achieved or possibly the delight that accompanies on purchase of a new product. How often have we noticed our children feeling happy once a new toy is bought? Sometimes, we go to the extent to trick ourselves into justifying emotion-based choices and rationalise our decision by revising our values later, because we want to feel happy.

Happiness is making news in businesses as well. It often precedes measures of success. Research suggests there is a strong correlation between happiness and workplace success. Happy people display superior performance, and achieve more helpful acts which typically exemplify success at work. When individuals experience positive affect, they become more motivated to invest time and effort, and overcome obstacles in their quest of happiness.

I have always believed that managing expectations is the key to pursuit of happiness. We consciously or sub-consciously, set expectations in everyday life and want to accomplish them. Failure to meet these expectations results in frustration, which is damaging and makes us unhappy.

This was until I perused a blog which said “Expectation management necessarily do not enhance happiness”. It goes on to mention that, although expectations generated subconsciously help us in taking decisions, the flipside is that we will struggle to consciously alter them. It is also not obvious that managing and setting lower expectations will always enhance happiness. In fact on the contrary, low expectations sometimes make us wander with negative thoughts which have damaging influence on our actions.

According to Forbes’ magazine 40% of our happiness can be attributed directly to our outlook on day-to-day situations and challenges. So whether things are going good or bad, make a conscious choice to live an optimistic life with conscience. Happiness is therefore dependent on optimism and how one responds to situations. As, the great psychiatrist and holocaust survivor, Viktor Frankl discovered that choices people make in that space between stimulus and response is vital for their lives. Happiness enhancing strategy is to enhance positive thoughts and view negative situations as an opportunity rather than a threat.

“Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.” — Mahatma Gandhi