The Pursuit of Happiness: A New Perspective
Does Seeking Happiness Make Us Less Happy?
Happiness has been a topic of fascination and study for centuries, and despite all our efforts, it can still be an elusive state. A recent study from Edinburgh University and the University of Tartu in Estonia has shed new light on the pursuit of happiness, suggesting that it might not be as straightforward as we thought.
Aspiring to Happiness vs. Attaining Happiness
The study breaks the pursuit of happiness into two facets: Aspiring to happiness and attaining happiness. Aspiring to happiness refers to the desire and effort to achieve a state of happiness, while attaining happiness refers to the actual experience of being happy.
The study found that while aspiring to happiness is a natural and common human tendency, it can actually lead to decreased life satisfaction and well-being. This is because when we focus on achieving happiness, we tend to dwell on what we don't have, leading to increased negativity and dissatisfaction.
Judging One's Own Happiness
The study also examined the role of self-judgement in happiness. They found that people who frequently judge their own happiness tend to have lower overall life satisfaction and psychological well-being. This is because self-judgement can create a cycle of dissatisfaction and negative emotions.
Conclusion
The study suggests that the pursuit of happiness may be a less straightforward path than previously believed. Aspiring to happiness and constantly judging our own happiness levels may actually be counterproductive.
Instead, the study recommends focusing on cultivating gratitude, positive emotions, and meaningful relationships. These factors have been shown to contribute to overall well-being and happiness, without the negative effects associated with the pursuit of happiness.
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