It is a sad fact that many people sacrifice years of their lives chasing these goals in the belief that they are the key ingredients of a happier life, yet they seldom find them as satisfying as they had hoped. For example, money makes only a small and declining difference after our basic needs are met. It is known that people who have won a lottery can often end up less happy. A job promotion loses its impact on wellbeing level within three months, while moving to warm climates increases happiness only very marginally and can be entirely offset by loss of contact with family and old friends.
This is because we adapt to external changes in our lives very quickly. Moreover, when our circumstances improve, we tend to use a different measuring tape when comparing ourselves to others.
So what can make a big difference to your wellbeing? Well the good news from academic research is that up to 40% of the difference between people’s levels of wellbeing is under individuals control. This means that it is more effective to invest your time and energies in skills and strategies that will improve your relationships, your outlook on life and allow you to pursue and develop passionate interests.
Academics talk about learned optimism, productive coping strategies, psychological engagement, people's internal focus of control and their emotional intelligence.
Think for a minute how you look at things in life: are you a glass half-full or a glass half empty person? How optimistic you are has a large effect on your wellbeing. For example, optimistic people recover from illnesses faster; they take better care of themselves; persist in the face of failure; and even win presidential elections more often than pessimists.
What is interesting is that optimism can be learned – watch out for strategies during your Year of Wellbeing.
Learning to find pleasure and joy within your current circumstances is another possible route to enhanced wellbeing. Being content doesn’t mean abandoning change and accepting your lot in life; it is about abandoning the stress caused by internal and external conflicts. As the famous serenity prayer suggests: have the serenity to accept things you cannot change, have the courage to change the things you can, and have the wisdom and clarity to know the difference.
Chief amongst the things we can change in life is ourselves: our attitudes, our beliefs and ultimately our behaviour. This is not to say that it is easy to change but it is certainly possible. And in fact there is a whole new branch of psychology called positive psychology that helps people identify and put to good use their own strengths.
Research has shown that people achieve much more when they utilise what they are already good at, rather than trying to correct areas of weakness. Playing to your strengths feels easy, straightforward and results in higher levels of engagement and happiness. This is just one of the many things you may want to focus on during the forthcoming year.
So remember: you are your greatest potential for change.
