One of the most fascinating insights in positive psychology today revolves around the profound connection between happiness and success. For years, many of us have been operating under a common, yet ultimately flawed, formula: work hard, achieve success, and then you’ll be happy. But what if this formula is backward? What if happiness actually comes first and is the real driver of success in our careers and personal lives?
This groundbreaking idea is at the heart of the work of Shawn Achor, a leading expert in positive psychology. Achor, renowned for his popular TED Talk, “The Happy Secret to Better Work,” and his time as a distinguished lecturer at Harvard University, has dedicated his career to exploring How Happiness impacts our potential. His research reveals a compelling truth: happiness isn’t just a pleasant emotion; it’s a powerful catalyst for achievement.
Debunking the Myth: Success First, Happiness Later
The traditional belief system often dictates that happiness is the reward for success. We tell ourselves, “If I just get that promotion, start my own business, or reach a certain income level, then I’ll finally be happy.” This way of thinking creates a never-ending chase, as the goalposts for “success” constantly shift. You achieve one milestone, only to find yourself setting another, always postponing happiness to some future point.
However, Achor’s extensive research, along with a growing body of evidence in positive psychology and neuroscience, demonstrates that this is simply not how it works. Waiting for success to bring happiness is like waiting for the cart to pull the horse. True and sustainable success is actually fueled by happiness, not the other way around.
The Happiness Advantage: Your Brain on Positive
So, how does happiness give us this “advantage”? When we experience positive emotions like joy, gratitude, and contentment, our brains function at their best. Instead of being narrowly focused on stress or negativity, our minds become more open, creative, and resourceful. This “positive brain” is significantly more engaged, motivated, energetic, resilient, and ultimately, more productive.
This isn’t just anecdotal; it’s backed by rigorous scientific studies. Research across various fields, from psychology and neuroscience to management and organizational behavior, consistently shows the tangible benefits of a positive mindset. Companies with happier employees often see significant improvements in key performance indicators. As Achor highlights, studies reveal that sales can improve by 37%, productivity by 31%, and individuals are 40% more likely to receive promotions when operating from a positive state of mind. Moreover, happier individuals tend to be nearly 10 times more engaged at work, live longer, achieve better academic results, and even experience less severe symptoms when facing health challenges. The “Happiness Advantage” is not just a feel-good concept; it’s a real, measurable advantage in all areas of life.
5 Steps to Cultivate Daily Happiness: Practical Strategies from Shawn Achor
Understanding how happiness drives success is one thing, but learning how to cultivate happiness in our daily lives is where the real transformation begins. Based on his research, Shawn Achor outlines five simple yet powerful steps that anyone can incorporate into their routine to boost their happiness levels and unlock their potential:
1. Bring Gratitude to Mind: Start each day by consciously identifying and writing down three new things you are grateful for. This practice shifts your focus to the positive aspects of your life, no matter how small they may seem. Actively searching for new things to appreciate trains your brain to scan for the good, rather than dwelling on the negative or what’s lacking.
2. Journal About a Positive Experience: Take just two minutes each day to write about a positive experience you’ve had recently. This could be anything from a pleasant conversation to a small accomplishment. Reflecting on positive events helps to relive and amplify those feelings, reinforcing positive neural pathways in your brain.
3. Engage in Mindful Exercise: Commit to 15 minutes of mindful cardio activity. Exercise is not just good for your physical health; it’s a powerful mood booster. Mindful exercise, where you pay attention to your body and the present moment, can further enhance these benefits, reducing stress and increasing feelings of well-being.
4. Practice Meditation: Dedicate two minutes each day to meditation, focusing on your breath. Even short periods of meditation can have a significant impact on reducing stress and improving focus. Observing your breath helps to anchor you in the present, calming the mind and fostering a sense of inner peace.
5. Perform Random Acts of Kindness: Engage in a conscious act of kindness each day. This could be as simple as writing a positive email to a friend or colleague, or offering a genuine compliment to someone you admire. Acts of kindness not only benefit others but also release endorphins in your brain, boosting your own happiness levels and fostering social connection.
Achor suggests practicing these five steps consistently for 21 days to begin to see lasting shifts in your mindset towards greater positivity. These are not quick fixes, but rather daily habits that, when consistently practiced, can rewire your brain for happiness.
The Role of Leaders and Organizations in Fostering Happiness
While happiness is ultimately a personal choice, leaders and organizations play a crucial role in creating environments that make that choice easier for individuals. Companies that prioritize employee well-being and actively cultivate positive work environments reap significant benefits.
Leaders can promote happiness by:
- Educating employees about the science of happiness and providing tools and strategies to increase positivity.
- Creating opportunities for social connection and team building to foster a sense of community and belonging.
- Implementing systems for authentic praise and recognition to acknowledge and appreciate employees’ contributions.
By understanding that a positive and engaged workforce is a significant competitive advantage, organizations can shift their focus from solely chasing success to actively cultivating happiness. This, in turn, creates a virtuous cycle where happier employees lead to greater success for both individuals and the organization as a whole.
Genes, Environment, and Your Happiness Choice
It’s important to acknowledge that genetics and environment do play a role in our baseline levels of happiness. However, Achor emphasizes that we are not simply victims of our biology or circumstances. While these factors can influence our initial predisposition, we have the power to make conscious changes to our mindset and habits.
By actively choosing to cultivate positivity through practices like gratitude, kindness, and mindfulness, we can break free from the “tyranny of our genes, childhood, and environment.” How happy we are is not predetermined; it is, to a significant extent, a choice we can make and cultivate through consistent effort.
Ultimately, happiness is not about denying challenges or pretending that everything is perfect. Instead, it’s about embracing a belief in our capacity for positive change and taking proactive steps to cultivate a happier and more fulfilling life. And as Shawn Achor’s research clearly demonstrates, this journey towards happiness is also a direct path to greater success in all that we do.
Take these five steps for 21 days and observe the positive changes in your own life. Share your experiences and join the growing movement of individuals who are discovering the power of the Happiness Advantage.
