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Happiness Paradox- 3 ways to overcome

7 tips that can get you a happy life 

How to make happiness a habit ?

What do you want to do with your one precious life ?

What is Happiness ?

If you ask people – What do you want in life ? They would quickly answer -HAPPINESS . If you pose the next question – How to find it ? They would answer – Own house , good health , well settled children ,or something similar . If you pose the next question – What actions are you taking to achieve happiness ? They may (not quickly this time) answer – We are working hard , earning , saving , sending children to good schools , etc. If you pose the next question – Aren’t all these actions oriented in the hope of future happiness ?  There comes the paradox . What are you doing for your happiness in the present ? You are all the time worried about your future . You are not happy today but are all the time  working  to be happy tomorrow . And that tomorrow may not just come .

Happiness Paradox can be understood as that you want to achieve happiness , but often pursue the tasks that normally don’t make you happy but leave you stressed .

happiness paradox

Nowadays we are all locked down in all houses . People have started realizing that money can’t buy  happiness . Because there is no place where you can spend . You can’t throw a party , invite friends and feel happy . Because you are not allowed to go outside . You are spending time in today’s time  just with Netflix and your mobile . Is your own house able to give you happiness in today’s time ?

Study conducted on the happiness paradox

Dr. Iris B. Mauss, a professor at the University of Denver, conducted two investigations to  bring us closer to what this  paradox is .

The result of the first study was  that people who gave enormous value to happiness felt more dissatisfied, even if they had excellent external conditions ( basic needs , social presence ) in their lives. On the other hand, those who were more neutral or didn’t give as much importance to the pursuit of happiness felt more satisfied. This happened even if their life circumstances were more difficult. These conclusions show the essence of the paradox .

You can read about the second study here 

So the point is that Don’t just exaggerate your desire for happiness as a goal . Take some actions today keeping in mind happiness not just for today but every day .

Don’t make Happiness a goal . Enjoy the journey . Let every day be happy .

3 ways to overcome Happiness Paradox

Dr RajaGopal Raghunathan , from Indian school of business ,   studies this paradox and   suggests  following 3 ways :

 

  1. Pursue some productive  work

In addition to  your routine tasks , start working on something you feel passionate about . Spend time as little as just half an hour on that passion of yours . That task may be reading , writing , gardening , de-cluttering , or learning a new skill . Focussing your energy on a productive work can serve as a guiding principle for achieving happiness . At the end of your day everyday , you should be able to journal in your mind what productive work you did today . That adds a sense of accomplishment .

2. Have good relationships

Good relations with family or friends bless  you with support , strength and smiles . Invest in those relationships with time and attention . You do feel happy whenever you have heart to heart talk with your dear ones . They are a great contributor in your wellness .

3. Have a spiritual attitude

Believing in a Power , praying , meditation have  proved to reduce your stress levels and  make you calm . Doing this on a daily basis makes it one of your  essential attitudes . Meditate , read a spiritual book , or praise the wonders of Nature .

Derive your own ways of  Happiness . Stay blessed !

 

 

 

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