Why Do Happy People Succeed?

Lisa Franchi February 27, 2013

Many of us believe that if we work hard, we will become ‘successful’, and ultimately ‘happy’. But with the arrival of positive psychology, the scientific community has started gaining insights about the true relationship between happiness and success. Instead of success (along with fame and fortune) opening the door to happiness, it is genuine happiness that makes people achieve their goals in life.

Happiness Comes First, Success Follows

A great deal of scientific evidence links positive thinking to a person’s likelihood of success. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist for us to understand the effects of optimism in our day to day activities. Knowing that everything is going to be alright gives you a strong motivation to work harder and pursue your goals. In one study for instance, researchers analysed the effects of positive and negative thinking to college students as they prepare for graduation. For six time periods, the students were asked to rate how much positive or negative they were experiencing. At the same time, they rated how much devoted they were to working hard for their future occupation. During the entire duration of the study, the researchers measured the degree of effort given by the students in preparation for their future career. After analysing the results, the researchers found that when people are happy, they put more effort in creating a better future for themselves. On the other hand, when they are sad, they are less likely to strive harder to achieve success in life.

Here are some other samples of what studies have shown: high school students who were asked to think about the happiest day in their lives outscored their peers in a math test, while preschool kids primed to think about something happy were able to put together toy blocks more accurately. Furthermore, people who expressed more positive emotions in making business negotiations got more positive outcomes than those who showed neutral or negative emotions.

In What Way Does Happiness Help?

To answer this question, imagine yourself in a depressive-like state – sad, gloomy, miserable, and hopeless. What do you think happens to your nervous system when you are experiencing these negative emotions? What happens to your creativity? How about your level of concentration? Do you think your brain is acting on its best if you cling to negative thoughts? Do you think it makes you more open-minded? According to studies, negative emotions activate the ‘fight or flight’ response system of the brain and turn off its ‘thinking’ part. Because of this, your brain’s capability to come up with better, wiser solutions becomes limited.

Now you know what happens in your brain when you feel so negative. It’s time you know what happens when you’re feeling upbeat!

First off – your brain releases dopamine and serotonin – the chemicals that promotes good feeling, and activates the ‘learning’ centre of your brain, allowing you to form more organised ideas, retain information better, and retrieve them in the quickest way possible! That is why happy people tend to be more creative than their downbeat friends.

And you know for sure that creativity is critical to success. In this highly-competitive world, companies look for people who can provide more effective ideas and solutions. If you are happy, you are likely to think ‘outside the box’, a fact that exposes you to larger opportunities in any field you are into – may it be in business, academe, science, politics, etc.

Another thing, happy people are more likely to get along with others. Because their smiles are contagious, they win friends easier. They build networks and connections faster than their unhappy colleagues. This makes them more likely to become leaders, managers, and executives.

Lastly, being happy makes you healthy. And if you are healthy, you will have all the energy you need to pursue your goals!

What if you’re naturally unhappy?

Just because you are unhappy today doesn’t mean you will be unhappy forever and you will never have the chance to succeed. Research shows even the most pessimistic people can learn the art of positive thinking. The question is how?

Learn how to control your mood. Yes, it is possible. According to the hedonic adaptation theory, we have a baseline level of happiness. While your baseline level of happiness is influenced by your genes, it is also largely affected by how you think! Look at the glass half full instead of half empty. Well, it isn’t easy at first but in time, you can become accustomed to positive thinking. You can always seek help from a professional therapist. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is one of the most sought-after treatments to restore or develop a person’s optimism.

Follow what your heart desires. You don’t have to live up to the expectations of others. After all, it is you who will live your life, not them. When making decisions in life, you will usually face two or three options. Just pick the one you feel is right! Follow your gut that is!

Pamper yourself. You’ve got to treat your body like it deserves to be happy because it does! Go to the gym and sign up for an exercise programme, socialise with other people, go out with your loved ones, buy a new pair of shoes, visit the spa, attend a yoga class, learn new skills, etc. When you are less stressed, you are more likely to be happy.

Reconnect with your loved ones. Many people choose to live in other countries because they think that getting high salary is going to make them happy. But actually, relationship with friends and family has a greater impact on happiness.

Give and you will receive. Studies suggest that being compassionate is one great way to be happy. Compassion is when you do something kind to someone in need. It doesn’t always mean you have to build your own charity or spend all your savings to other people. Simple acts of kindness, such as sharing your food, joining community volunteering works, and sharing your blessings to other people are enough to achieve happiness.

You know now what it takes to be successful. So today is the day you must choose to be happy.

Dear Readers,

What therapeutic ways or mindful approaches could you suggest or that you regular adopt to feel happier?

Share your idea’s by posting a comment below!