In a previous blog post, I discussed the concept of set point theory in relation to happiness. However, before delving into that topic, it’s important to understand another significant concept in happiness research: the Hedonic treadmill. Essentially, this theory suggests that regardless of whether positive or negative events occur, you will eventually return to a baseline level of happiness, like a guitar string finally settling back to its original position. Your genetic predisposition determines this baseline level. This means that significant life events such as getting married or losing a loved one may temporarily impact your happiness, but ultimately, you will return to your predetermined set point.
Happiness Pie: It tells you that our happiness derives from three components. Nothing gives us 100% happiness. The numbers are fluid. The allocated number is not fixed and varies from person to person.
- Set Point theory: 50 %. The Set Point Theory states that genetics determine at least 50% of one’s happiness. Monozygotic twins have an 80% chance of remaining at the same happiness level after ten years, while dizygotic twins do not show the exact correlation.
- Life Circumstances: 10%. Although we often assume life circumstances are crucial to our overall happiness, they only account for 10%. Watch the video here and the 20/20 piece on this here.
- Intentional Activities: 40%. The Set Point theory indicates that purposeful activities like exercise, setting goals, pursuing meaningful objectives, or cognitive restructuring can somewhat alter our chronic happiness. Look at this link for 12 activities to boost happiness and life satisfaction.
Soon, we will talk about how intentional actions can lead to Happiness. You cannot change genetics and can’t cry about life circumstances out of your hands.
To achieve happiness, there are 12 intentional activities mentioned in the book “The How of Happiness” by Professor Sonja Lyubomirsky from the University of California. To help you increase and maintain your happiness, we recommend getting the book and focusing on activities that match your interests, values, and needs. Take a survey to identify the most effective exercises for you and learn how to practice them. Click on this link to print the Person-Activity Fit Diagnostic scale. We’ll start with the first activity, Gratitude, next month.
I will start with my gratitude by thanking you for reading my blog and giving me positive comments. Do reach out to me at tarak@vasavada.us
Tarak Vasavada, MD
Medical director,
Live Well Foundation of Madison County Medical Society
Celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month May 2023