We overestimate the impact of life events on our wellbeing from "summary" of The Myths of Happiness by Sonja Lyubomirsky
When it comes to our happiness, we often believe that major life events such as getting a promotion, winning the lottery, or finding true love will have a significant impact on our overall wellbeing. We tend to imagine that these events will bring us lasting joy and fulfillment, leading to a happier and more satisfying life. However, research in the field of positive psychology suggests that we may be overestimating the impact of these external factors on our happiness. Studies have shown that while major life events can bring temporary spikes in happiness, these effects are often short-lived. We quickly adapt to our new circumstances and return to our baseline level of happiness. This phenomenon, known as the "hedonic treadmill," suggests that our happiness levels remain relatively stable over time, regardless of the positive or negative events that occur in our lives. In other words, we have a tendency to overestimate the long-term impact of external events on our wellbeing. This tendency to overestimate the impact of life events on our happiness can lead to unrealistic expectations and disappointment. We may believe that achieving a certain goal or acquiring a particular possession will bring us lasting happiness, only to find that our satisfaction quickly fades. This can create a cycle of striving for more and more in pursuit of happiness, without ever truly achieving lasting fulfillment.- Research suggests that we should prioritize internal factors such as gratitude, kindness, and connection with others. Cultivating positive emotions and nurturing meaningful relationships have been shown to have a more lasting impact on our overall wellbeing than external achievements or possessions. By shifting our focus from the pursuit of external goals to the cultivation of internal strengths, we can build a more sustainable foundation for happiness and fulfillment in our lives.
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