Debunking Happiness Myths
We all crave happiness, but here's the thing — Evolution never cared about our quest for joy. It mainly cares about survival and reproduction, which is why being happy isn't hard-wired in our minds. In fact, our ideas about ‘what brings us happiness’ can often be way off the mark.
We tend to think good things will make us super happy for a long time, but they usually don't. And when something bad happens, we think we'll be sad forever, but that's not true either. It's a little trick our minds play on us, called the Impact Bias.
To navigate the Impact Bias and truly embrace happiness, we need to clear up some misconceptions about what happiness really entails.
The problem isn't that we don't mostly get what we want, but that we won't be happy even if we get what we want. We want the wrong things.
— Laurie Santos, Cognitive Scientist
So, what are the ‘right’ things?
Let's debunk some common happiness myths and reveal the truths hiding behind them:
Myth 1: I’ll be happy when I get more 🤑
More money, more happiness is something we secretly believe to be true.
Fact: Sure, a bigger paycheck or the latest iPhone can bring temporary joy. But once our basic needs are met, true happiness lies in giving back. Donating to charity and supporting causes that matter to us is where the magic happens.
Myth 2: I’ll be forever happy when I find my soulmate.
While having that special someone in our lives is wonderful, real happiness lies in spending quality time with all our loved ones.
Friends, family, and soulmate included—let's cherish those moments together.
Myth 3: I’ll be happy when I’m as successful as ‘that’ person
Truth be told, there’ll always be someone out there who’s doing ‘better’ in life than us. Comparing ourselves to others is a joy-stealer.
We're all on unique paths, so let's focus on our own journey and find contentment in our accomplishments, big or small.
Myth 4: I’ll never be happy again after this loss
Loss is tough. The loss of a loved one is brutal. Although it feels like so at the moment, it doesn’t mean happiness is forever gone.
Here's the silver lining: loss can make us stronger.
What doesn't kill you, makes you stronger.
— Friedrich Nietzsche, German philosopher
It shifts our perspective, helping us appreciate what we have and find deeper happiness in life's simple pleasures.
Myth 5: Self-care is the secret to my happiness.
We all need some amount of self-care. If you’re an introvert, you need more alone time. But beyond that, caring for ‘others’ is what brings more happiness.
Acts of kindness, like missing a movie show because your friend needed help or giving up your favorite spot in line to someone who needs it more, will bring a sense of fulfillment and genuine happiness.
Let's keep spreading those positive vibes!
Bonus behaviors to amplify happiness
Now, let's talk about some bonus practices that can truly amplify our happiness levels.
These are simple, everyday habits that we often overlook. But they can make a world of difference if we're open to embracing them.
Gratitude is the attitude: Instead of dwelling on the negatives, let's take a moment each day to reflect and write down five things we're grateful for ✍️. You won't believe how this simple shift in perspective can work wonders in just two weeks.
Embrace the present: Life moves fast, and sometimes we forget to stop and savor the little joys. Whether it's admiring a blooming flower, appreciating latte art in your coffee, or cherishing those precious moments with loved ones, let's make space for the present and relish every moment.
Keep moving: You don't need to run a marathon to experience the happiness boost that comes from physical activity. A short walk in the park, playing fetch with your 🐶 , or any form of movement that makes you feel alive can do wonders for your overall happiness.
We're all on this journey of discovery together. Happiness is not about having all the answers but being open to exploring what brings us joy.
Let's debunk these myths and find our own path to genuine happiness 😇.