deepstash
Beta
Deepstash brings you key ideas from the most inspiring articles like this one:
Read more efficiently
Save what inspires you
Remember anything
Why reaching your goals won't make you happier
3
Key Ideas
Save all ideas
Hedonic adaptation
We adapt fast to changes in our lives. This trait is beneficial to us when through hard times or adapting to new surroundings, but it also means that when we achieve something that should bring great happiness (getting a new car, a new job, a new relationship) we adapt too quickly. Those new things become familiar very quickly and that amazing burst of happiness is just that, a temporary dose.
122 SAVES
265 READS
50-10-40% formula
Only 10% of our happiness is determined by our circumstances, while 40% of our happiness is determined by our everyday thoughts and behavior and 50% of our happiness is genetically determined. So, if being happy once we achieve that major milestone only accounts for 10% of happiness, thinking you’ll be happy when you achieve that big goal just isn’t going to cut it.
193 SAVES
344 READS
Doses of happiness in everyday life
Building your happiness muscle means finding happiness in your daily life:
- Take pauses to enjoy the small pleasures in life;
- Be generous;
- Practice gratitude;
- Get more exercise;
169 SAVES
332 READS
SIMILAR ARTICLES & IDEAS:
6
Key Ideas
The arrival fallacy
It's our false belief that once we make it, once we attain our goal or reach our destination, we will reach lasting happiness.
It’s the strong belief that when you accomplish something...
Pursuing goals isn’t a problem
It becomes dangerous when you focus on attaining them for your happiness in life.
Goal attainment is, at most, equally, if not less important than the progress towards the goal.
Achievement doesn’t equal happiness
Achieving a goal usually reveals another, even more, challenging goal. This may bring in much more work because the pursuit of goals never ends.
16
Key Ideas
Spend time with furry friends
Play fetch with Fido or sneak in a few cuddles with your kitten.
Interacting with your pets can release oxytocin in the brain ― you know, the “warm and fuzzy” hormone ― resulting...
Count your blessings
There’s nothing like a little thankfulness to boost your mood. Research shows expressing gratitude can make you happier.
Try writing down three things you’re thankful for at the end of each night.
Remind yourself how great you are
Studies show self-acceptance is crucial to a happier life, but it’s a habit we barely practice.
7
Key Ideas
Challenge Unhelpful Thoughts
Listen to your thoughts — but don’t necessarily believe them.
They're suggestions, possibilities. But they’re not gospel. You can’t control what thoughts pop up, but y...
Identifying Unhelpful Thoughts
- Black and White Thinking: There are heaping piles of nuance to most things.
- Unrealistic Expectations: Cynicism is bad, but a little skepticism is essential.
- Selective Attention: If your brain is always looking for the negative, you’re gonna find it.
- Disqualifying the Positive: Sometimes we go into problem-solving mode and focus only on what is broken.
- Predicting the Future: “This will never work” or “They’re going to think I’m stupid.” You don’t know the future. So don’t act like it.
- “Should” thoughts: It’s usually just an insistence that the world bends to your will and is a great way to amplify frustration.
Do More Stuff
Doing little positive things is better for happiness than occasionally bagging an elephant:
- Enjoyable stuff
- Achievement stuff: Defeat your goals in single combat and feel like a conquering hero
- Meaningful stuff: Do volunteer work or just help someone
- Physical stuff: Exercise. Not only keeps you alive, but it’s like miracle grow for your brain
- Social stuff.