Typically when individuals are asked what makes them happy or brings them joy in life, common answers range from material possessions to strong familial ties, pets, relationships or the pursuing and achieving of various goals. There is not a single correct answer that is tailored to fit everyone’s varying views on happiness. Researchers argue, however, that the underlying cause of happiness cannot be found in a singular item, but rather in a series of factors that are interconnected in a broader term describing an overall state known as “well being.” Well being explores the concept of happiness not as a single entity in of itself but as result of combining components that ultimately lead to a meaningful and productive life. Moreover, additional
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and second: how can an individual achieve it? Notably, the common facets that are present in these literary works that are said to be vital in achieving happiness include: interpersonal relationships, engagement in daily activities, the ability to enjoy the present, finding meaning and avoiding nihilistic and hedonistic tendencies all together. So while the items I listed at the start can certainly be incorporated into happiness, the accompanying temporary feelings of pleasure they are affiliated with are not to be mistakenly thought of as being analogous to actual happiness. Additional research on the topic of happiness goes as far as to claim that even genetics play a vital factor. In short, however much happiness an individual desires to have or already exists in their life relies largely on their cumulative efforts in different aspects of life. Furthermore, the degree of happiness one has in life cannot be singlehandedly attributed the accruement of wealth, achievement, genetics or pleasurable feelings …show more content…
While Hollywood depicts a glamorized version of life in the military, the reality is that many service members find difficulties adjusting and conforming to a militarized lifestyle. Some taking longer to adjust than others. I remember after a particularly busy week, one of my friends barged into my barracks room, plopped on my bed while mumbling expletives and said “Eslava, I am so tired of this. I am so unhappy”. Notably, this instance was reoccurring as I’ve heard this spiel multiple times from this person. Because we had worked together for a number of years, I also had knowledge from our prior conversations that he had the propensity of viewing everything negatively or finding the fault in an otherwise good situation. The misconception that my friend had fallen into the pattern of was believing that he was unhappy solely because of the lifestyle we had to comply with. In Sonja Lyubomirsky’s The How of Happiness Lyubomirsky describes a genetic set point wherein, 50% of a person’s happiness is actually based on their genetics while 40% is intentional activity and only a mere 10% had to do with circumstances. I was very surprised at what a large portion a person’s biological makeup accounted for and how unsubstantial the percentage was for circumstances. This epiphany
and second: how can an individual achieve it? Notably, the common facets that are present in these literary works that are said to be vital in achieving happiness include: interpersonal relationships, engagement in daily activities, the ability to enjoy the present, finding meaning and avoiding nihilistic and hedonistic tendencies all together. So while the items I listed at the start can certainly be incorporated into happiness, the accompanying temporary feelings of pleasure they are affiliated with are not to be mistakenly thought of as being analogous to actual happiness. Additional research on the topic of happiness goes as far as to claim that even genetics play a vital factor. In short, however much happiness an individual desires to have or already exists in their life relies largely on their cumulative efforts in different aspects of life. Furthermore, the degree of happiness one has in life cannot be singlehandedly attributed the accruement of wealth, achievement, genetics or pleasurable feelings …show more content…
While Hollywood depicts a glamorized version of life in the military, the reality is that many service members find difficulties adjusting and conforming to a militarized lifestyle. Some taking longer to adjust than others. I remember after a particularly busy week, one of my friends barged into my barracks room, plopped on my bed while mumbling expletives and said “Eslava, I am so tired of this. I am so unhappy”. Notably, this instance was reoccurring as I’ve heard this spiel multiple times from this person. Because we had worked together for a number of years, I also had knowledge from our prior conversations that he had the propensity of viewing everything negatively or finding the fault in an otherwise good situation. The misconception that my friend had fallen into the pattern of was believing that he was unhappy solely because of the lifestyle we had to comply with. In Sonja Lyubomirsky’s The How of Happiness Lyubomirsky describes a genetic set point wherein, 50% of a person’s happiness is actually based on their genetics while 40% is intentional activity and only a mere 10% had to do with circumstances. I was very surprised at what a large portion a person’s biological makeup accounted for and how unsubstantial the percentage was for circumstances. This epiphany