The Key to Unlock Happiness

Now that we are aware of the Three-fold Path to Happiness, it is important to practically apply this so that we can proactively cultivate happiness on an everyday basis, and live a happy life. The great news is that Happiness is a skill, so we can actively build and develop it!

The “Spheres of Life” Model of Happiness

Happiness is a by-product of having the various components of life working in harmony and synchrony*. So, what are these components? While it may differ from person to person, positive psychology research outlines 6 main components:

1.     Work and career

2.     Interpersonal life, including loved ones and romantic life

3.     Physical and mental health

4.     Financial health

5.     Interests and pastimes, including reading, surfing the Internet, and sports

6.     A spiritual life or belief system, including religion, science, or astrology

Having ample satisfaction in all spheres leads to a high state of happiness. Dissatisfaction or discontentment in any one or more spheres can negatively impact happiness. Some factors which affect this:

1.     Values and Belief Systems: Each of these six spheres holds a different level of importance for different people. For example, one person may place more importance on “Work and Career”, and good work and career progress become the dominant happiness contributor. For another person, interpersonal life may matter more, such a person derives more happiness from fulfilling social relations. The rank-hierarchy of the Spheres depends on a person’s values and belief systems.

2.     Life Stage: Also, the importance level of any sphere may change by life stage. For example, for a student, money may not be a prime happiness factor, but for a parent, it may matter more because of the necessity to provide for dependent children.

3.     External and Internal Sources of Happiness: This happiness-concept is similar to the concept of intrinsic motivation and intrinsic motivation. One should strive to build sources of happiness which are intrinsic i.e. sources of happiness from within. For example, romantic love stems from an external person, creating an external dependency, while self-love comes from within, making is easier to cultivate and control. In the long term, intrinsic sources of happiness can help you sustain happy living.

When problems occur in the less important ranked Spheres, the “high of happiness” from the dominant Spheres may help compensate for this “happiness deficiency”. However, as a general rule to sustain happiness in the long term, it is important to strive for acceptable levels of achievement in all six spheres.

How to use the Spheres to unlock Happiness

1.     Know your Values: Doing a Values-Finding exercise can help you find out “what really matters to you”. Look up the common values list, and through a process of prioritization, arrive at the top 3-5 values by which you lead your life.

2.     Bucket Values into Spheres of Life: Bucket your values into the six Spheres, and you will arrive at which Spheres dominate your “happiness quotient”. Think about each Sphere and ask yourself, “What makes you happy?” Be specific – the more precise you are, the better you can plan the action charter.

3.     Outline Actions for each Sphere: In each Sphere of Life, identify 2-3 actions items, for the short term and long term. For your dominating Spheres you can identify more actions.

4.     Execute: Most importantly, take the time and effort to actually implement the above defined actions. Create a “happiness calendar”, marking your “happiness activities”. Be sure to make it realistic and sustainable, so that you will stick to it.

One thing is certain – happiness is a journey. And so, a happy life demands an ongoing commitment. Doing the above “Spheres of Life” exercise on a continual basis, across life stages, can help live a sustained, happy life.

Having the intention or goal of being happy will enhance your chances of being happy*.

Sources

* Happiitude certification