The Happiness Pie

In The How of Happiness, Sonja Lyubomirsky introduces the concept of the Happiness Pie. She explains that, while research suggests that 50% of our well-being is determined by our genetics, only 10% is determined by life circumstances. The remaining 40% can be determined by intentional activity—what we think and what we do.

Today, I talk about the power of this 40%. I point out that happiness is a choice, I speak about Viktor Frankl, and I talk about the contributions of positive psychology. I share Seligman’s PERMA acronym for what allows us to flourish: Positive emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment. I share the history of the theory of positivity, I note the power of relaxation, and I emphasize that you cannot force happiness.

“We cannot force positivity. Yet, we can create conditions that facilitate positive emotions to happen.”

- Ana Melikian

This Week on The Mindset Zone:

• The Happiness Pie
• Why happiness doesn’t have to be a goal; it can be a way of life
• Happiness as a choice
• Positive Psychology
• The 5 components that allow us to flourish
• The history of the theory of positivity
• The danger of toxic positivity

Resources Mentioned:

• The How of Happiness: A New Approach to Getting the Life You Want by Sonja Lyubomirsky

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