A 2024 study published in an online article by Psychology Today, surveyed 1,800 people about their level of happiness and their desire to be happy (Zerwas et al., 2024). The study found that the more individuals desired to be happy, the more disappointed they may actually feel. This phenomenon can be attributed to the fact that focusing on concerns about not being happy or not being happy enough can lead to overanalysis, ultimately sucking out the joy of the moment.
According to the article, happiness is closely tied to the authenticity of one’s emotions (www. psychologytoday. com → us → blog → the-venn-diagram—- → 202510 → the-hidden-cost-of-happiness). Individuals tend to experience the most happiness when their emotions align with their values and goals, even if they are feeling a negative emotion in the moment.
This suggests that suppressing or faking emotions can have detrimental effects on one’s well-being. The idea of “faking it ’til you make it” or “putting on a happy face” may be counterproductive, as it can lead to ← →
Research has consistently shown that happy people tend to share certain characteristics and habits. According to a study published in the journal “Social Indicators Research,” happy individuals are more likely to engage in activities that promote social connections and a sense of community (Lyubomirsky, Sheldon, & Schkade, 2005). They also tend to have a strong sense of gratitude, often reflecting on the positive aspects of their —s and expressing appreciation for what they have.
This is supported by a study cited inPsychology Today, which found that individuals who practiced gratitude on a regular basis experienced increased levels of happiness and well-being (Emmons & McCullough, 2003). Happy people also tend to have a unique perspective on —, often viewing challenges as opportunities for growth and learning.
This mindset is often referred to as “post-traumatic growth,” and it has been linked to increased levels of happiness and — satisfaction (Tedeschi & Calhoun, 1996). Happy individuals tend to be more resilient and better equipped to handle stress, which can help to mitigate the negative effects of adversity.
As noted inPsychology Today, this resilience is often developed through a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors (Seligman, 2011).
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At some point in our lives, most of us have been told to “put on a happy face” or “fake it ’til you make it.
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