Finding or achieving happiness in life is a pursuit many spend their whole lives chasing or figuring out. Feeling happy is fundamental to the human experience, and happiness is a necessity for well-being.

Since most working adults spend at least 8 hours a day in the office, it goes without saying that happiness at work is of utmost importance.

In her research on happiness at work, Dr Cynthia D. Fisher of Bond University says that the central and most frequently emphasised aspect is job satisfaction.

She added that pleasant judgements (positive attitudes) and pleasant experiences (positive moods, feelings, emotions, flow states) at work are also important.

READ: 16 Ways To Create Your Own Happiness At Work

Shaping your reality

In his TEDx talk, psychologist Shawn Achor said that other than ensuring employee well-being, happiness can also inspire them to be more productive.

He articulates that it is not the reality that shapes you, but the lens through which your brain views the world that shapes your reality. If you can change the lens, not only can you change your happiness, but you can change every single educational and business outcome at the same time.

“Most people assume that the external world is predictive of our happiness levels, but in reality, if I knew everything about your external world, I can only predict 10 per cent of your long-term happiness,” explained Achor.

“90 per cent of your long-term happiness is predicted not by the external world, but by the way your brain processes the world. If we change our formula for happiness and success, we can then change the way we affect reality,” he added.

“We found that only 25 per cent of job successes are predicted by IQ. 75 per cent of job successes are predicted by your optimism levels, your social support, and your ability to see stress as a challenge instead of as a threat.”

In conclusion

Thus, your happiness is essentially up to you.
Your attitude, how you view your situation in life and your daily challenges will determine your happiness levels.

So, would you choose to be optimistic and happy or pessimistic and blue?

Watch the funny yet enlightening talk here:

Khor Hui Min is a sub-editor with Leaderonomics. She is also a writer, poet, nature lover, face painter, photographer, yoga enthusiast, and meditator. To connect with her, send an email to editor@leaderonomics.com.