Finding happiness

[Exterous]

I came across an interesting compilation of resources regarding what likely makes someone happy. Covers a large range of factors and touches on the current thought that 50% is genetics and only 10% based on more circumstantial factors like money, beauty, and family with the remaining 40% being within the persons control. Also covers things like: Stuff isn't likely to make you happy; Keeping a gratitude journal results in the same level of happiness increase as a 2x increase in salary.

http://happierhuman.com/hedonic-treadmill/

I cam across this on an interesting thread at Bogleheads with some thoughtful discussion and interjections by people who have spoken publicly on the topics of psychology in economics.

https://www.bogleheads.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=229800&sid=7d9800821c723319185da82f34a0c36d

 

[pcslookout]

Happiness is easy to find. Money does not bring it that is for sure.

 

[purbeast0]

White sand beaches, turquoise crystal clear water, palm trees, scuba diving, snorkeling, having a beer/cocktail on said beaches, eating good/expensive food, all while being with family (and friends when possible).

Those are the things that make me the most happy, which is why I try to travel as much as possible. 1 month I'll be back in Aruba doing all of the above.

 

[pcslookout]

White sand beaches, turquoise crystal clear water, palm trees, scuba diving, snorkeling, having a beer/cocktail on said beaches, eating good/expensive food, all while being with family (and friends when possible).

Those are the things that make me the most happy, which is why I try to travel as much as possible. 1 month I'll be back in Aruba doing all of the above.

The beach does not make me happy. Snow does.

 

[purbeast0]

The beach does not make me happy. Snow does.

I would die a happy man if I never had to see or drive in snow again the rest of my life.

 

[pcslookout]

I would die a happy man if I never had to see or drive in snow again the rest of my life.

Why ?

 

[nakedfrog]

Probably because snow is terrible.

 

[iroast]

Snow is great one in a while. Take my son sledding, building a fortress, snowman, etc. It also makes Christmas extra special, but there hasn't been a white Christmas around here in ages...2009 :-(

 

[BoomerD]

Snow is wonderful stuff...when it's in it's proper place...up in the mountains.

 

[purbeast0]

Why ?

Regardless what your parents told you, there are such things as stupid questions.

 

[nakedfrog]

Snow is wonderful stuff...when it's in it's proper place...up in the mountains.

This is an acceptable compromise.

 

[Exterous]

Sunshine or weather doesn't seem to impact happiness that much out side of extremes like Alaska or Greenland:

A study of 1,993 Americans living in California, Michigan, and Ohio found no correlation between location and life satisfaction. That is, although people in the midwest complained about their poor weather, although they also said they would be happier if they lived under California’s bright sun, although Californian’s said that their bright sun makes them happier, midwesterners were just as happy as Californians.

 

[purbeast0]

Sunshine or weather doesn't seem to impact happiness that much out side of extremes like Alaska or Greenland:

That sentence you quoted makes absolutely no sense.

"midwest people complain about happiness, said they would be happier under california sun"
"california people said sun makes them happier"
"midwest people are just as happy as california people"

The first 2 bullet points kind of contradict eachother. Plus, that's a whopping 2k people from 3 states. That is a needle in a haystack sample size wise. I'm also just not fond of taking sample sizes so small and then making a broad generalization about the entire population. That happens a lot and those numbers always make me lol.

You know who says location doesn't have to do with happiness? People who have never lived in said place that would make them happier and want to make an excuse about how staying put will keep them just as happy. I have been in the DMV area my whole life that gets all 4 seasons pretty nicely, and everyone I know who has moved away to California or Florida doesn't miss the winter at all. People saying "well I will miss the seasons" is just them making an excuse to make them feel better about not being able to move or take the plunge.

I know because I'm one of them .

 

[Denly]

Probably because snow is terrible.

Snow isn't the problem, the long cold dark winter is the issue.

 

[nakedfrog]

Snow isn't the problem, the long cold dark winter is the issue.

I don't mind the dark, the cold sucks, and the snow just makes the cold all that much worse when warms up just enough to melt, and then gets turned into ice. Yes, snow is a problem.

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

Happiness is an attitude. It's a conscious decision.

 

[s0me0nesmind1]

well i mean, beer helps me. Its just a shame the next day it comes crashing down....

 

[interchange]

If happiness were the all important aim of humans, I'd imagine more of us would be successful at it.

 

[s0me0nesmind1]

also so far skimming through, basically gives an overall shocker that keeping up with the jones doesn't buy happiness. Who wudda thunk it?

 

[brianmanahan]

when i only had enough saved to live on for 1 month, i was happy.

now i have enough saved to live for 15 years, but have not been happy for a long time.

but i am not sure if i would give up the money to be happy again though.

 

[Sonikku]

Happiness is easy to find. Money does not bring it that is for sure.

I think it does to a point. After that there is diminishing returns.

 

[Chaotic42]

I'd be much happier if I had more money. Most of my unhappiness is related to my having to work and live in an apartment in the midwest.

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

If happiness were the all important aim of humans, I'd imagine more of us would be successful at it.

Experiencing happiness is a talent. Not everyone has the talent.

 

[s0me0nesmind1]

when i only had enough saved to live on for 1 month, i was happy.

now i have enough saved to live for 15 years, but have not been happy for a long time.

but i am not sure if i would give up the money to be happy again though.

Kind of in the same boat. I wouldn't say I'm "unhappy" but less happy would definitely apply.... and I live way below my means. Haven't reached 30 yet and could easily payoff the house if I wanted.

I think it just boils down to the more and more I get older it seems like the more of my life that is just working... working for the paycheck, working to maintain the house, working to clean, vehicle maintainance, chores such as car registration/inspection, doctor appointments, etc...

I mean... the fuck... I used to be able to do 16 hour days of playing World of Warcraft straight.... I can honestly say I miss it

Seems all I have time for anymore is taking up a hobby as a beer snob that likes to try expensive beers.

 

[purbeast0]

Kind of in the same boat. I wouldn't say I'm "unhappy" but less happy would definitely apply.... and I live way below my means. Haven't reached 30 yet and could easily payoff the house if I wanted.

I think it just boils down to the more and more I get older it seems like the more of my life that is just working... working for the paycheck, working to maintain the house, working to clean, vehicle maintainance, chores such as car registration/inspection, doctor appointments, etc...

I mean... the fuck... I used to be able to do 16 hour days of playing World of Warcraft straight.... I can honestly say I miss it

Seems all I have time for anymore is taking up a hobby as a beer snob that likes to try expensive beers.

Well you've "bragged" about working like 60 hour weeks regularly. I don't think anyone who does that is happy.