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Happiness DefinitionFirstly, Michael Fordyce asks a very fundamental question: is it possible to define happiness? He argues that very few of the people he has interviewed find it easy to give an answer. However, this acknowledged expert in happiness research suggests that happiness is "... nothing more than an emotion. Psychologists define it as a longer-term sense of emotional well-being and contentment - a general "feeling" that one is happy." This is a good starting point. It's a short, pithy happiness definition but what does it really mean? And how can we apply it even when we really understand it?
To help with these questions, let's consider the work of two other experts on happiness. Each indicates that understanding something as complex as happiness is only possible by detailed analysis. This analysis leads us to think about happiness in terms of levels and elements. Happiness Definition: Three LevelsIn his book: "Happiness. The Science Behind Your Smile", John Nettle suggests that there are three levels to understanding happiness:Nettle argued that the more generally understood meaning of happiness relates to levels 1 and 2. This certainly further develops Fordyce's happiness definition. However it's perhaps in contrast to the work of eminent positive psychologist, Martin Seligman. In his landmark book: "Authentic Happiness", Seligman illustrated that happiness does indeed encompass all three of Nettle's levels. Critically however, he emphasised that Nettle's level 3 was really the most important. In doing so, Seligman's book does two things. Firstly it adds a third, authoritative dimension for anyone seeking to understand happiness. Secondly, it offers some practical suggestions for anyone seeking to find it. Happiness Definition: Three LivesSeligman described how "authentic" happiness can be achieved by combining and balancing three approaches to life: Seligman's work indicates that combining and balancing these separate lives can lead us to authentic happiness - a full. life. In particular, Seligman stresses recent research showing that: "the most satisfied people are those who orient their pursuits toward all three, with the greatest weight carried by engagement and meaning." Follow this link to read more about Michael Fordyce's happiness definition and his excellent discussion of happiness.
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Other related pages....Eight Ways to Happiness:Steps Towards a More Satisfying LifeElements of Happiness: 6 Happiness Tips Finding Happiness in Life: Bowling but not alone Happiness Goal Setting Tip: Do What You Love Stress Management and Relaxation: the Bigger Picture Stress Management Tip: Know When Enough is Enough
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This is a good starting point. It's a short, pithy happiness definition but what does it really mean? And how can we apply it even when we really understand it?
