Happiness means different things to different people, and just as varied is what brings on happiness. But, despite these differences, experts have uncovered some common misconceptions about happiness. Let’s debunk these happiness myths.

1. DEBUNKING 9 HAPPINESS MYTHS
By: Ron McDiarmid

2. Happiness means different things to different people, and just as varied is
what brings on happiness. But, despite these differences, experts have
uncovered some common misconceptions about happiness. Let’s debunk
these happiness myths.

3. HAPPINESS IS GENETIC
Some people may be more predisposed to happiness, but this is one
thing you can’t blame on your parents. Genetics only tell part of the
story. The encouraging news is that you can learn to be happy even if
you’re not born that way.

4. HAPPINESS COMES FROM EXTERNAL SOURCES
According to happiness expert Shawn Achor, external forces are only
responsible for about 10 percent of long-term happiness. The rest, 90
percent, comes from the way your brain processes what goes on
around you. You may not be able to change others, you can change the
way you react to them.

5. MONEY CAN’T BUY HAPPINESS
Researchers have found that spending money on experiences such
as vacations with family and friends or buying gifts for other people
can make people happier. It’s not the material goods that make the
difference, it’s the experiences that can be had that do bring smiles to
faces.

6. HAPPY PEOPLE NEVER EXPERIENCE SADNESS
It’s unrealistic to think happy people aren’t ever sad. Denying negative
feelings can actually have the opposite effect. The difference is that
happy people deal with difficult situations in a way that is rational and
productive and don’t let the negativity consume them.

7. HAPPINESS COMES WHEN YOU ACHIEVE A GOAL
How many times have you thought, “I’ll be happy when I ____ ?” The problem is
that once the goal is achieved, most people have set themselves up to expect it,
therefore it’s no longer seen as an achievement. The greater happiness comes
in setting a goal and working towards it.

8. HAPPY PEOPLE ARE NAÏVE
According to happiness researchers, the opposite is true. When you’re
happier, your brain is more active and more receptive to learning. Happy
people tend to be more creative, better able to solve problems and score
higher on intelligence tests.

9. A TREAT WILL MAKE YOU HAPPY
Most of the time, the “treats” we turn to may give us a quick boost
thanks to the impact they have on serotonin levels, but that joy is short
lived. And, since these treats usually are not healthy, the long-term
effect is more likely to be detrimental. Instead of reaching for sugar or
salt, give yourself a treat by going for a walk outside.

10. VENTING WILL MAKE YOU HAPPIER
Giving a voice to negative feelings only serves to fuel the negative
emotions. Instead of focusing on whatever is upsetting you, force
yourself to be change your emotions. Act happy, even if you don’t feel it
at the moment. In no time at all, you may actually be happy.

11. BEING ALONE WILL MAKE YOU FEEL HAPPIER
Next time you want to just keep to yourself, consider this: researchers say
everything is more fun with company.

12. WHAT THIS MEANS…
 What all this really means is that you don’t have to
go through life being unhappy. Happiness is
achievable for everyone, it’s just a matter of
realizing you can be happy and you deserve to be
happy. All you need to do is think happy, act happy,
and be happy.