This is the “Happiness Equation”

Do we all have the same definition of happiness? What does it mean to be happy, anyway? While everyone generally agrees that happiness is being satisfied with life, being in a good mood, experiencing positive emotions, and experiencing pleasure, researchers have found that it's difficult to agree on the true meaning of this concept.

According to positive psychology , happiness is a state characterized by contentment and general satisfaction with one's current situation. On the other hand, being happy also involves experiencing meaningful, positive emotions: connection, gratitude, and compassion.

WE CAN'T ALWAYS CONTROL WHAT HAPPENS, BUT WE CAN CONTROL HOW WE THINK

According to Mo Gawdat, happiness expert and author of Solve for Happy, "we are happy when life goes the way we want." Gawdat believes that happiness depends on our expectation management: we are no longer happy when expectations are equal to or lower than the reality of events.

The author developed his own happiness equation, arguing that it's how we think about events that determines how we feel. Our perception, therefore, holds our happiness, and the key is to focus on positive thoughts, since when thoughts disappear, suffering also leaves us.

WHAT SCIENCE SAYS

While we often think that happiness depends on events, science suggests it comes from our brains. That's why changing the way we think can increase our happiness, even if we don't make any changes to our lives.

When a region of the brain is activated, it becomes stronger. Therefore, focusing on positive words can make positive memories and feelings more present. Make your own list of positive words to activate these emotions in your brain.

HAPPINESS AND THE LAW OF ATTRACTION

According to the Law of Attraction, we attract into our lives whatever we give energy and attention to. Therefore, if you want to stay focused on the good and rewarding things in your life, you will automatically attract positive things into your reality.

Through this law, the Universe responds enthusiastically to our vibrations, whether positive or negative. It responds to whatever energy we're creating and gives us more of the same.

To attract more happiness through the Law of Attraction, your energy frequencies need to be in tune with what you want to attract into your life. How?

Choosing to think differently;
Choosing to focus and think about the good things you want to achieve;
Doing more things that make you feel good.

STEP BY STEP TO GET WHAT YOU WANT

The Law of Attraction tells us that to attract what we desire we must follow the following steps in order:

Think about desire;
Write it down;
Feeling like it has already happened;
Wait for it to happen.

It's important not to focus on how much we lack what we want, because by focusing on this emptiness, we will only continue to attract it. To feel that we are on the right path and moving toward what we ask for, we must vibrate at that same frequency and act as if it were already a reality in our lives. We must also feel how we would feel if we had what we desire now.

It's crucial to get into the emotional state of already having what you want. When you emit the vibration of already having what you want, the attraction to that object or situation happens more easily.

How to feel that what you want has already happened?

Close your eyes for 1-2 minutes, 1-2 times a day (morning and night), and imagine the feelings of love, joy, and happiness you would feel if you had already achieved your desires. Play with these feelings until they feel real. If this exercise is difficult for you, simply focus on something that makes you feel good: your pet, your friends, etc.

Visualize a new life script

Visualization has enormous power. The mind has difficulty differentiating between our physical actions and the actions we imagine. So, imagine yourself living the life you desire, with the happiness you deserve.

When we visualize what we desire, we feel the emotions of that experience because, once we see it in our mind, we begin to feel those sensations. And although imagining things we don't have can be challenging, keep trying. With practice and patience, anything is possible. Your power is limitless, and so is what you can create. And why not create an even happier life? The happiness equation is entirely in your hands.