This is the “happiness equation” that I came across while reading TIME magazine. In the respective article the author shares the results of a study conducted by the researchers at University College London.
This “happiness equation” could accurately predict the happiness of over 18,000 people. As it turns out, the two major factors that affect our happiness are recent rewards and expectations.
I sat with it for a while, tried it on and came to the conclusion that this equation doesn’t quite work for me. Yes, rewards feel good as do met expectations. But that’s mostly applicable to the “immediate happiness”, so to speak. When I looked at the bigger picture, however, I realized that I can have unmet expectations and still be happy…
That’s when I decided to dig deeper. After pondering on it for a while, I came up with my personal version of the “happiness equation”.
Here it is:
H=CZ,
where H is Happiness and CZ is Comfort Zone.
Let me explain. Some view happiness as a state, I view it as a trait. Yes, it is nice to feel pleasure and joy in the moment, to get excited about going on vacation or, conversely, coming back to sweet home from one; to feel elated from receiving an award or pumped for even being nominated; to cry tears of joy when you find out you’re pregnant or feel relieved that you aren’t. In those moments we often say, “Oh, I’m so happy”. But those are moments, and they are fleeting.
What I mean when I’m talking about happiness is a rather sustainable feeling, a trait if you will. It’s that long-lasting sense of contentment, well-being, and satisfaction with life. And if I’m being congruent with this idea, then I must say: we are only as happy as we are comfortable.
Anything that throws us off, that we aren’t able or willing to deem as acceptable or just fine, anything that makes us uneasy or upset ultimately creates a sense of dissatisfaction and unhappiness.
Now, I understand that happiness can’t be put in a simple equation, but hopefully, this won’t cause resentment on your end and won’t prevent you from seeing the essence of my message.
Think about it: the bigger your comfort zone is, the happier you are.
The more things you can make peace with, accept and feel good about, the higher your overall fulfillment in life is. And vice versa: the smaller your comfort zone is, the fewer things have the potential to make you feel good and the more things can bother or stress you out and make you feel miserable.
The focus, therefore, should be on expanding your comfort zone.
Now, go do something that excites and scares you at the same time!
