Are we looking for happiness in the wrong places? What makes for a genuine and sustainable life of happiness. 

In this episode, we discuss the pursuit of happiness, the impact of trauma on happiness, and practical ways to enhance your happiness. 

We look at a number of research studies that have looked at the factors that increase happiness and how to apply them in our daily lives. 

Key Topics:

• Are we happy?
• The impact of trauma on happiness
• The biology and psychology of happiness
• The role of external circumstances vs. internal practices
• Practical steps to boost happiness through daily habits

Key Takeaways:

• Impact of Trauma: Trauma and painful life experiences can significantly impact our pursuit of happiness.
• Internal vs. External Fixes: Understanding that true happiness comes from within, not from external circumstances.
• Happiness Research: Insights from the Minnesota Twins Study, the Harvard Study on Happiness, and Sonja Lyubomirsky's "The How of Happiness."
• Three Components of Happiness:
  • Set Point (50%): Genetic predisposition.
  • Circumstances (10%): External factors like income, job, and environment.
  • Behaviors/Activities (40%): Daily practices that we can control.
• Practices for Happiness: Mindfulness, gratitude, positive social connections, physical activity, and mindset shifts.

Key Points Discussed:

1. The Pursuit of Happiness
2. Impact of Trauma on Happiness
3. The Internal vs. External Fix 
4. The Research on Happiness 
5. Happiness Set Point and Circumstances 
6. The 10% Dilemma 
7. Chasing Happiness and External Fixes 
8. The 40% Within Our Control 
9. Positive Mindset and Daily Practices 
10. Activating Your Internal Pharmacy
11. Reframing Mindset and Circumstances 
12. Managing Genetic Predispositions 
13. Practical Exercises for Happiness

Resources
Book: "The How of Happiness" by Sonja Lyubomirsky
Book: "The Good Life" (Harvard Study on Happiness)

I am grateful you are here,
Jerry

Setup Your FREE Strategy Call:
Schedule Call

Watch On Youtube

Website:
www.jerryhenderson.org

How is your relationship with yourself going?
Get your free-self assessment guide

Pick up your copy of my book:
Returning: Meditations and Reflections on Self-Love and Healing

Get Your Free Weekly Tips!

Instagram: @jerryahenderson

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/jerryahenderson

Disclaimer