Make Happiness a Habit

Most of us spend time doing things that keep us busy while neglecting other choices that might make us happier. Why do we do this?

According to Martin Seligman, founder of the positive psychology movement, psychological well-being has five elements - positive emotion, engagement, meaning, positive relationships, and accomplishment (PERMA). In simple terms, the more of these things one has in his/her life, the greater the potential for happiness. Consequently, if one is seeking more happiness, she/he will try to find more PERMA. But many do not.

There are a lot of reasons for this, not the least of which is that we don't know how to go about doing it. Or, we may believe we have too many other competing priorities. Some of us may believe we do not deserve to be happier, or we might even be scared to be happy. For some people, unhappiness might be part of their identity. Does this sound like you?

If it does, think about taking steps to change that because not only will it improve your own sense of wellbeing, but happier people tend to be more productive. They also tend to be better neighbors. More individual happiness is good for organizations and good for communities.

Kevin Kervick is a Possibilities Coach practicing in Nashua.