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The sayings "variety is the spice of life" and "happiness isn'tgetting what you want, but wanting what you get" seem to have apsychological basis, according to a new study by an MU psychologistwho identified two keys to becoming happier and staying that way. "Although the Declaration of Independence upholds the right topursue happiness, that search can be a never-ending quest," saidKennon Sheldon, professor of psychological sciences in the Collegeof Arts and Sciences. "Previous research shows that an individual'shappiness can increase after major life changes, such as starting anew romantic relationship, but over time happiness tends to returnto a previous level. Through our research, we developed a model tohelp people maintain higher levels of happiness derived frombeneficial changes. The model consists of two major components: theneed to keep having new and positive life-changing experiences andthe need to keep appreciating what you already have and not wantmore too soon." In the recent study, Sheldon, along with co-author SonjaLyubomirsky of the University of California, Riverside, firstsurveyed 481 people about their happiness. Six weeks laterparticipants identified a recent positive change in their livesthat had made them happier. Six weeks after that, the psychologistsevaluated whether the original happiness boost had lasted. For someit had, but for most it had not. The psychologists then tested andconfirmed their model for predicting whose boost had lasted. "The majority got used to the change that had made them happy inthe first place," Sheldon said. "They stopped being happy becausethey kept wanting more and raising their standards, or because theystopped having fresh positive experiences of the change, forexample they stopped doing fun things with their new boyfriend andstarted wishing he was better looking. A few were able toappreciate what they had and to keep having new experiences. In thelong term, those people tended to maintain their boost, rather thanfalling back where they started." Due to genetics and other factors, individuals have a certain"set-point" of happiness they normally feel. Some people tend to bebubbly, while others are more somber, though individuals vary in arange around their set-point. Sheldon's research suggests howpeople can train themselves to stay at the top of their possiblerange of happiness. "A therapist can help a person get from miserable to OK; our studyshows how people can take themselves from good to great," Sheldonsaid. Sheldon also noted that the best life changes don't necessarilyequate to new purchases. Although a shiny new possession can boosthappiness, that purchase has to be experienced anew every day andappreciated for what it brings to have any lasting effect onhappiness. "The problem with many purchases is that they tend to just sitthere," said Sheldon. "They don't keep on providing varied positiveexperiences. Also, relying on material purchases to make us happycan lead to a faster rise in aspirations, like an addiction . Hence, many purchases tend to be only quick fixes. Our modelsuggests ways to reduce the 'let down' from those purchases. Forexample, if you renovate your house, enjoy it and have many happyexperiences in the new environment, but don't compare your newdecor to the Joneses'." Additional References Citations. I am an expert from powder-coatingline.com, while we provides the quality product, such as China Powder Coating Gun Parts , China Spray Coating Line, Powder Coating Machines,and more.
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