Does Success Make Us Happy?
Research in positive psychology reveals a surprising truth: happiness often leads to better health, a higher likelihood of achieving goals, and greater success. Contrary to popular belief, we don’t become happy because we are successful or wealthy. Instead, we are more likely to achieve our goals if we are already happy before the achievement. In short, happiness is a cause of success, not the result of it.
If accomplishments and achievements aren’t the primary drivers of happiness, what is? The answer lies in understanding how our brains are wired and how we can consciously shift our focus.
The Science of Positive Psychology
Positive psychology is a relatively new field of research that examines this very question. Studies over the past few years show that some of the key ingredients for happiness include practicing gratitude for what we have, performing “random acts of kindness,” and engaging in regular physical activity. Additionally, practices like meditation can help quiet the mind and balance the constant multitasking required in modern life.
However, the most crucial conclusion from positive psychology is that our level of happiness depends mainly on the lens through which we view our world. Do we focus primarily on the difficult, troubling, or sad things that happen to us, or do we dwell on the positive experiences and beautiful moments? Unsurprisingly, those who focus on the good in their lives are happier than those who concentrate on the hardships. The path to happiness, therefore, involves changing our focus—essentially, putting on a new pair of glasses.
Why Is It So Hard to Be Positive?
While changing our perspective sounds simple, most of us find it very difficult. A small number of people naturally see life through “rose-colored glasses,” but they are the minority. The majority of us are stuck in the brain’s default setting: to seek out and dwell on the negative.
Our Brain’s Evolutionary Negativity Bias
From an evolutionary standpoint, it was critical for our ancestors to identify potential dangers to act quickly and prevent harm to themselves and their families. Those who rapidly identified threats had a significant survival advantage. This is why, even today, we tend to notice anything that might endanger us, whether physically or emotionally. In contrast, paying attention to pleasant things did not offer the same survival advantage in the past, which is why it doesn’t come as naturally to most people today.
How Modern Life Amplifies Our Worries
Today’s reality is vastly different from that of our ancient ancestors. In the past, dangers were physical, immediate, and transient. Now, the things that “threaten” us are less physical and more psychological, and they are often long-term situations rather than immediate crises. Furthermore, through constant news updates from around the world, we are exposed not only to what threatens us personally but also to what endangers people in other cities, countries, or continents. We are bombarded with information that is largely irrelevant to our immediate safety but still triggers the same primal worry reflex in our brains.
This constant focus on the negative can feel overwhelming, but understanding its origin is the first step. The next step is learning how we can use our brain’s own ability to change to create new, more positive patterns. In Part 2 of this series, we will explore the concept of brain plasticity and the practical steps you can take to rewire your mind for happiness.
