Happiness is largely private. What makes you happy might not bring joy to others. In that sense, it is subjective and varies from individual to individual. But being happy is the ultimate goal of life for many people. We may take different paths, but we all strive toward happiness. It is also synonymously used with life satisfaction. All these terms are collectively labeled as subjective well-being (SWB).
“How satisfied are you with your life?” We often use this common semi-abstract question to measure SWB. The answer to this may depend on various factors. These factors include financial security, relationships, achievements in life, health, safety, the standard of living, future security, and connection to the community. Money, relationships, and achievements are more predictable contributors to the unique variance than the other four.
These three factors form the golden triangle of happiness. Being aware of where and how these factors affect your life satisfaction can help you work towards betterment. There is no single formula for all to apply here. One needs to understand their life’s purpose and situation. Working on these domains is probably the easiest way to improve your well-being. A therapist can help you figure things out, which will help you unlock your true happiness.
1. Solid Personal Relationships
Interpersonal relationships that involve mutual sharing of intimacy and support are the first golden domain in the triangle. We are social animals and need social connections to thrive and express ourselves. By relationship, we don’t necessarily mean romantic relationships.
Having someone with whom we can debrief after a stressful day can relieve us of a lot of weight. In a public situation, we tend to pick a personality that suits that environment. But being close to friends and family lets us be our authentic selves. They let us take off our masks which can be exhausting.
The absence of such emotional, intimate relationships can make you feel lonely and excluded. It pushes you into a negative mindset where you struggle to open up. All that buildup of emotion can cause burnout and even lead to depression. Nurturing relationships with people you can rely on in tough times and sharing your joys can boost your well-being. Sometimes it all boils down to having people around you with whom you can share your emotions.
2. A Sense of Purpose
Becoming unemployed or losing an active role in a social group can negatively affect your social well-being. Anything ranging from having a family to look after, volunteering for a social cause, or a job can give your life a sense of purpose. This becomes your motivation for getting out of bed every morning. It provides you with personal meaning in life. This sense of purpose comes from your engagement in daily activities. It is personal and can be different from person to person.
With no purpose, you can feel lost and unmotivated to do anything. You get a static feeling with no drive to work towards anything. Being in that situation encourages negative emotions, anxiety, and a lack of satisfaction. It is also important to note that this sense of purpose can be more than your individual needs. Contributing to something beyond your individual goals provides much more fulfillment. This doesn’t necessarily have to be the case, but it gives your life a much deeper meaning.
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3. Financial Control
Money, in isolation, may not be able to buy happiness. But it has the flexible power to assist your psychological well-being. Having no money issues can help you avoid certain unwanted challenges in life. If there is a medical emergency, sufficient money will allow you to get through it with much less stress. With enough money, you can always delegate the tasks you don’t feel like doing to someone else.
Money brings with it a sense of security and a better standard of living. This leads to better socializing and engagement with the community around you. Someone getting a pay rise will have a direct impact on their well-being. The added finance improves their capability to interact with society better.
Though earning more doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be happier, it certainly is an instrument. What you do with it and how you put it to use will dictate your social well-being. Spending on petty luxurious things does bring momentary joy. But true satisfaction comes when you realize your self-worth and learn to control your finances in a managed way.
What to Know About Being Truly Happy
There are a lot of misconceptions about happiness. An expensive house, a flagship mobile phone, and a sports car are all seen as a symbol of happiness. Instead, these are symbols of success. We try to portray ourselves through these symbols to get others’ validation.
We have reduced the idea of being happy with what others think about us. Our focus has shifted from actually being happy to whether or not others believe we are happy. Impressing others may make you feel good about yourselves in the short term, but true happiness comes from the inside. It is subjective and may arise from something completely different than others.
Do you feel good about your work and contribution to society? Do you get to share your happy moments with people that actually care about you? Do you have people who will support you in adverse conditions? Do you feel secure about what you have? The three golden domains mentioned above cover these questions. Answer these to yourself, and it may give you an idea if you are truly happy or not.
Consult With a Trusted Therapist From DocVita Today
It is easy to lose focus on things that actually matter in this fast-paced competitive world. People often find themselves disconnected from their friends and family with no sense of purpose. This can lead to a vicious cycle where you get into a negative mental space. You may even feel helpless and depressed.
Don’t let that happen to yourself. Schedule an appointment with a trusted therapist from DocVita and let them help you rediscover your mojo for happiness. Happiness is an important aspect of living a healthy social life, yet it can be so hard to find it in today’s world. Let our medical professionals navigate you to the right path for greater satisfaction and joy.