"Happiness is something most of us long for, and many see it as life's ultimate goal. You might chase it in achievements, relationships, or the little pleasures of everyday life. Over the years, countless studies have tried to understand what really drives happiness. Across cultures and generations, people want to strive to find it and build the ability to sustain it. Despite this universal pursuit, happiness remains surprisingly elusive."
"This very chase can sometimes be so intense that the very act of seeking happiness can leave you feeling less fulfilled. As researcher Kuan-Ju Huang of Kyoto University explained to me in a recent interview, "The paradox of valuing happiness is that constantly checking in with ourselves by asking, 'Am I happy enough?' can lead to emotional outcomes that directly undermine the goal of being happy.""
Happiness is a common goal pursued through achievements, relationships, and small pleasures, yet it often remains elusive. The act of intensely chasing happiness can reduce fulfillment by turning attention inward to constant self-evaluation. Constantly asking 'Am I happy enough?' produces emotional outcomes that undermine happiness. An alternative is to shift focus from measuring internal states to building connections. Connecting with others reduces self-focus, fosters belonging and support, and requires trust in others, oneself, and life. Trust reduces the pressure to control or measure happiness, allowing joy to emerge naturally in shared experiences and creating a more sustainable, resilient form of well-being.
Read at Psychology Today
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