10 Myths of Happiness (that people think are true)
Things like pets, ice cream, chocolate, and a glass of wine every once in a while can really boost our mood. But do they really make us happy? Decades of intense research on the mere definition of happiness shows that there’s a huge – and most likely life-altering – difference between what we assume can make us happy and the things that really make us happy. Let’s have a closer look at the top 10 myths related to happiness that most people think are true.
1. Happiness is genetic
Nope, it’s not. Just because there are people who are genuinely happy and enthusiastic all the time, it doesn’t mean it’s genetic. There’s some truth to this myth however, because optimism can be self-taught just like a new language. So if you’re a happy parent with a fulfilling lifestyle, there are great chances for your kids to be happy too. Happiness is deeply connected to behavioral science rather than genetics, yet we sure like to think it’s hereditary.
2. A successful career makes us happy
Another myth debunked! A successful career leaves no room for relaxation, and although we make a lot of money and we live in a beautiful home, we don’t have time to enjoy those material things as much as we’d like to. Working 12 hours a day for a whole week and driving a Bentley makes other people assume that we’re happy, but we’re not. We’re just exhausted and we’re not realizing that life is too short to be workaholics.
3. Happiness can’t be bought
That’s something underprivileged people like to say to feel better. While it’s true that material things can’t make us feel happy all the time, paying £10,000 for a dreamlike vacation someplace exotic can definitely rejuvenate both the mind and the body, and thus boost our self-esteem. Happiness can be bought because we can use the extra money we have to do some good and help others. Philanthropic acts and donations are a great way of sharing our material happiness with others.
4. Happiness doesn’t affect performance
People are wrong to assume that happiness doesn’t affect performance. The good news is we can use those feelings to our own advantage. Studies have proven that positive physicians are more precise, happier sales individuals have greater chances of closing a good deal and optimistic athletes can recuperate from failure a lot faster.
5. Stress messes up our happiness
To some extent that might be true, but studies show that anxiety and stress can also boost cognitive processing, deepen social bonds, and improve memory. Some people operate better when they’re feeling under pressure, and they often need to get their heartbeat up in order to attain their goals.
6. A higher salary makes people happy
A bigger salary makes you happier for about two minutes or so. There’s no other way to “buy” happiness than with money used for a specific purpose – to buy time. What does a better paid job entail? It means you’ll be working extra hours, you’ll be doing extra work, and you’ll have a lot more responsibilities. Does that make you happy? Of course not; some people would rather trade a higher salary for better working hours or a more flexible schedule. Free time should make you happy because a rested body will help your mind work with a lot more pleasure.
7. You can’t be happy after a certain age
Just because you’re in your 40s it doesn’t mean your best years are now behind you. Life can be enjoyed to its fullest potential at any age. Unfortunately, a lot of people wrongfully assume that the feeling of happiness decreases as we get older. It’s certainly not true. Seniority comes with great benefits. You have all the time in the world to travel, find a fulfilling hobby, and do things you never had the chance to do when you were 20.
8. Happiness is not a destination
You know that old proverb that says traveling is not about reaching a destination but about enjoying the journey don’t you? Well, that same principle applies to happiness and the more you try the better chances you have to never find it. Enjoy what you have now, benefit as much as possible from the little things life throws at you, and take good care of your soul. That’s what happiness is all about.
9. Happy people are naïve
Happy people can also be realistic, so this means they’re not naïve at all. As a matter of fact, happiness boosts brain activity, problem-solving abilities, and intelligence scores. A positive perception doesn’t make you stupid; it makes you energetic, vivacious, and brisk. All these traits are great contributors to a fulfilling existence.
10. Happiness is temporary
People are afraid to be happy because they assume at some point it will end. Newsflash everyone – there’s no such thing as temporary happiness. Nelson Mandela used to say that we are the masters of our fate, so just because you had a bad day it doesn’t mean the happiness is over. True bliss can only be attained through the choices we make every single day, whether they’re good or bad. We’re surrounded by happiness and the best way to see and feel it is to look beyond the silver lining.
* Courtesy of www.undiscoverdiscover.com
