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Laura Rowley Money & Happiness

Laura Rowley, Money & Happiness

Even in Tough Times, Happiness Is Its Own Reward

by Laura Rowley

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Posted on Wednesday, January 23, 2008, 12:00AM

Happiness is a choice. And it's hard work.

That's the conclusion of "The How of Happiness: A Scientific Approach to Getting the Life You Want," a new book by Sonja Lyubomirsky. Lyubomirsky, a psychology professor at the University of California, Riverside, spent two decades studying what makes happy people tick, and running controlled experiments in which participants practice a specific strategy to boost well-being.

It's in the Genes

Happiness turns out to be a worthwhile pursuit. In a review of more than 200 studies, Lyubomirsky and her colleagues found that happier people make more money, are physically healthier, have stronger immune systems, are more creative and productive at work, have more friends, and are more likely to get married. They even live longer than their gloomy peers.

Lyubomirsky suggests that 50 percent of our happiness "set point" is genetic. We inherit the propensity to be as cheerful as Mary Poppins or as morose as Woody Allen (who, in the movie "Annie Hall," compares life to a Catskills resort with bad food and small portions -- "full of loneliness and misery and suffering and unhappiness, and it's all over much too quickly.") Studies of identical twins raised apart, for example, show that they're closer in happiness levels than fraternal twins (who share only half their genes) raised together.

Circumstantial Happiness

Surprisingly, a miniscule 10 percent of happiness, she argues, depends on life circumstances such as income, education, health, marital status, or, say, being a New York Giants fan this season.

"There is a definite myth that happiness is something we have to search for and find through our circumstances, and we either find it or we don't," Lyubomirsky says. "People say, 'I'll be happy when I move to that city, when we have more money, when I get that job, when I lose weight.' But the correlation between life circumstances and happiness is smaller than you'd expect, because people adapt, and return to their baseline happiness."

This is a little hard to swallow, especially as I listen to my eight-year-old wail inconsolably about her failure to defeat her sister on a Nintendo Wii. Her happiness -- at least short-term -- appears wholly dependent on the ability to vanquish her sibling in virtual bowling.

Fleeting Contentment

On the other hand, when it comes to long-term, big picture, flourishing-type happiness, most of us know people who remain happy despite poverty, poor health, or tragedy -- and people who are miserable despite good health, wealth, and misfortune of the painful hangnail variety.

A host of studies has found that people are experts at adjusting to their situations -- whether it's winning the lottery or suffering a paralyzing injury. In both extremes, people tend to return to a happiness set point. And although 80 percent of U.S. adults say they need more money to be happy, according to a 2007 Yahoo! Finance survey, it's not likely to bring long-lasting contentment, Lyubomirsky says.

"It's not that money doesn't make us happy -- it doesn't make us as happy as we expect, or for as long as we think," she says. "Many studies have found people do get happier following a salary raise, but then get used to that income, change their goals and aspirations accordingly, and feel they need more to be happy."

The Consumption Compulsion

That's the so-called "hedonic treadmill," in which we adapt to what we have and perpetually seek more. Lyubomirsky recalls the serial home-renovators she met in a book group several years ago. "People would buy these beautiful homes and then adapt, and want the new bath or the pool," she says. "Then they would adapt to that and renovate again. You have to keep consuming to get that high."

(Lyubomirsky admits, however, that money spent on experiences, rather than possessions, makes people happier for a longer period of time. "Europeans get this -- they live in little apartments and might not have cars but they spend money on food, wine, and travel -- as opposed to having a bigger TV set," she says.)

Meanwhile, earning more money (whether to upgrade one's abode or to travel) typically requires more time on the job -- time that might otherwise be spent on happiness-inducing activities like socializing with family and friends, exercising, or volunteering.

Unfair Comparisons

Another culprit behind the hedonic treadmill is the shift in reference groups that occurs as we move up the economic ladder. I was perpetually broke during college, always working a couple of jobs to make ends meet. Now, instead of comparing myself to the penniless student I once was and being happy with my progress, I usually compare myself to the neighbors -- mostly the ones who enjoy newly renovated homes and European travel.

Social comparison and lofty expectations are two reasons for skyrocketing rates of clinical depression over the last century, Lyubomirsky says. "We have very high expectations, and part of that comes from our individualistic ethic in the U.S.," she explains.

"We believe we can be successful if we try hard enough, and have the American dream. But if we believe that our lives are under our control, when things go wrong we only have ourselves to blame. In more collectivist cultures, people don't blame themselves as much. If things aren't working out, it's not just about you."

Happiness as a Habit

The good news, Lyubomirsky says, is that we can manipulate 40 percent of our happiness level by consciously adopting the behaviors of happy people. She's the first to admit that some of these strategies -- such as "act like a happy person" -- sound a little corny. "I'm the most reluctant user of self-help literature," she says. "That's why there's an emphasis on science -- to look at what is effective, what works, how it works, and why it works."

Lyubomirsky outlines specific techniques that have been found to boost happiness, and different ways to employ them. They include practicing gratitude and optimistic thinking, nurturing relationships, committing to goals, developing coping strategies, learning to forgive, increasing flow experiences, practicing spirituality and meditation, and being physically active.

She emphasizes that creating happiness requires sustained effort, commitment, discipline, and self-control -- similar to staying in physical shape. "I think it is work, but it's very fulfilling, enjoyable work," she says. "You have to be motivated. The good news is that some of the practices become habitual with time, and, like exercise, do get easier."

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94 Comments

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  • ProS - Saturday, February 2, 2008, 4:20AM ET  Report Abuse

    • Overall: 5/5

    Thanks for the article. I feel happier just by reading it. Regards

  • Hector - Tuesday, January 29, 2008, 9:54AM ET  Report Abuse

    • Overall: 5/5

    Copy the physical attitude of a happy person and you will be happy. Sit or stand like a happy person; make a happy persons face; move like a happy person; just mimic these things and you will be happy. What ever you do physically, the the mind will follow suit. Very simple but effective!

  • Yahoo! Finance User - Monday, January 28, 2008, 7:57PM ET  Report Abuse

    • Overall: 5/5

    Good article. Comparing yourself to others is never a good idea, especially if those others with the big house, swimming pool, and Humvee are in debt up to their eyeballs.

  • LONGTERMER - Monday, January 28, 2008, 2:53PM ET  Report Abuse

    • Overall: 1/5

    As the name implies, I don't look for instant "happiness" whether by buying more, having more or making more. I am so frustrated with those who need another to tell the first person what is required to make that person "happy." I could use the phrase "dribble and claptrap" but most of those who have graduated after 1970 don't know what these words mean nor could they understand the intent contained in the same. Money does not make hapiness...period. Money will make it easier for you to make decisions which could make your life more enjoyable through whatever avenue you choose. So, let's keep this type of discussion for Oprah (Harpo?) and reserve this arena for the "experts" in finance and economics.

  • Yahoo! Finance User - Monday, January 28, 2008, 2:01PM ET  Report Abuse

    • Overall: 5/5

    Thanks for this article....too bad I didn't read it in my late 20's when it was ALL about the "unfair comparisons" - I am from California (now in Texas) and it was always about comparing yourself to what other have, and like an earlier poster said SOMEONE will always be richer and have more, so get over it and do things more practically. Before we make purchases we really make sure it's something we want and can't find it somewhere else cheaper or simply (God forbid) WAIT! I've found when I WAIT - I want it less later!

  • FionaT - Monday, January 28, 2008, 1:26PM ET  Report Abuse

    • Overall: 4/5

    I thought this was an interesting article. I have changed my buying habits in the past few years. Now I ask myself, "Do I need this?" If the answer is no, I ask myself, "How much do I want it, and is there anything else I'd rather do with the money I'd spend?" I still end up with nice things, but only things I feel are really worth it. I live in a big city, where there will always be someone richer, with nicer things. It would be pointless to try to keep up. I concentrate on my marriage, my child, my job, and my goals, and try to concentrate on what I do have instead of what I don't. Corny? Probably, but I'm the happiest of all the people I know. I also find it amusing that most of the people criticizing this article also use abusive, unnecessary terms. Clearly, if an little article about happiness makes you that mad, you aren't happy.

  • Stephen - Monday, January 28, 2008, 2:35AM ET  Report Abuse

    • Overall: 5/5

    Very nice summary. The topic is relevant and practical. Similar to the "hedonic treadmill" metaphor, there is a Buddist philosopy to "stop wanting" - we suffer when we do not get what we want and sometimes the key is to let go of that want. Thanks for sharing the summary....

  • Yahoo! Finance User - Sunday, January 27, 2008, 11:35PM ET  Report Abuse

    • Overall: 5/5

    Happiness? What were the lyrics to the Beatles song? "Money can't buy me love." In retrospect, I can't say that I've necessarily been any happier during the times I had less money. I can remember being a starving grad student and having some of the best times of my life. One time I actually walked around for a few hours looking for a penny on the ground so I would have enough money to make a 10 cent phone call. Fortunately, I don't have to do that anymore. I guess the most you can say about having money is that it gives you a certain degree of peace of mind. The junk you can buy doesn't mean much, but it is nice to not have to worry about where your next dollar is coming from.

  • KC - Sunday, January 27, 2008, 10:27PM ET  Report Abuse

    • Overall: 5/5

    If balance means not going over board, then the above review hits the nail on the head. Keeping up with the Jonses usually is doomed toward unhappiness, as is aspiring to not much of anything. Of course each individual is different, but as a general rule that seems to be true.

  • Henriette - Sunday, January 27, 2008, 9:47PM ET  Report Abuse

    • Overall: 5/5

    Gratitude makes us feel rich, no matter how little or how much we have in life. Lack of gratitude is a thief- it steals from us what we own.

  • MrCapGain - Sunday, January 27, 2008, 4:09PM ET  Report Abuse

    • Overall: 1/5

    But I have been making some serious $$$ in the market and somehow feel happy.

  • Quang Tang - Sunday, January 27, 2008, 11:39AM ET  Report Abuse

    • Overall: 4/5

    If you want to be happy read the book "The power of supermind" written by Vernon Howard

  • Hung - Sunday, January 27, 2008, 11:11AM ET  Report Abuse

    • Overall: 5/5

    Excellent to read and practice.

  • edward - Sunday, January 27, 2008, 9:23AM ET  Report Abuse

    • Overall: 4/5

    yes it is just like prayer it can give one the answer that is missing in life edbk46

  • RON - Saturday, January 26, 2008, 8:53PM ET  Report Abuse

    • Overall: 5/5

    Fully agreed - I'm a believer. In the end life is all about relationships. Everything else is just things. From the many countries I have been in over years the ones where people have less are richer as they are more integrated with each other. Really, when you die someday the impact you leave on others is what matters most, and is most fulfilling in the process of living. A prime example - look at Christ who left with nada and see his impact.

  • Yahoo! Finance User - Saturday, January 26, 2008, 7:34PM ET  Report Abuse

    • Overall: 1/5

    This is America, Laura. I'll take a suburban McMansion, a hi-def plasma TV, and an SUV over some cramped European flat anyday. Not everyone believes in "collectivist cultures"!

  • vicky - Saturday, January 26, 2008, 1:48PM ET  Report Abuse

    • Overall: 5/5

    This is so true! Ten yrs. ago, I spent six months in the country where I was born. There, I intermingled with the village people who were always smiling despite their abject poverty.While working in the plantation left by my ancestors, I found beauty and peace all around me. I was full of energy, never got sick- not even a slight cold- and lost 10 lbs.! Looking at my pictures taken then, I looked like I was in my 20's (despite my age then of 54). Yes, money helps but it is not a guarantee of total happiness. Back in America, I am content yet not reaching the full capacity of my happiness. Experiencing cabin fever in a snow country, I watched Rod Stewart's concert "It Had To Be You" on DVD. That moment of listening to old and classic songs, I experienced a momentary feeling of true happiness. Yes, I guess it must be the genes! Congratulations for this article. I want to buy your book! - Dreamer

  • dtifft - Saturday, January 26, 2008, 12:28PM ET  Report Abuse

    • Overall: 1/5

    Fine, if having money doesn't increase happiness, then why don't we all move to the ghetto, or else live in hippie communes? Wouldn't we be just about as happy by having less? For that matter, why bother to work full-time for pay, when we could be just as happy staying home and watching television?

  • Mary - Saturday, January 26, 2008, 8:47AM ET  Report Abuse

    • Overall: 5/5

    100% TRUE. I sold all the things that I had. Moved to the Virgin Islands on the beach into a very small condo. I am now 100% happy with all the less things that I now have. I switched things for beauty and happiness. Tod

  • Nate - Saturday, January 26, 2008, 8:13AM ET  Report Abuse

    • Overall: 5/5

    I must admit, I was hesitant about reading the pitfalls of money when related to happiness, but I like the approach the author has taken. I do agree that much of happiness is being content, and that comes most often through spiritual sources. Learning to forgive and showing gratitude is a good process to encourage being content in our lives. Well done to the author, I think she hit the spot with this one.

  • Yahoo! Finance User - Saturday, January 26, 2008, 2:42AM ET  Report Abuse

    • Overall: 4/5

    Laura, along those lines, I'd like to see an story that discusses how much good fortune comes from within and how much comes from other people. I'm a believer that a person needs to make their own luck and take responsibility for their own actions. But at the same time, I've worked hard but have worked for poorly managed companies so I didn't get raises and promotions and have worked for good companies where I was appreciated so I think to some degree we need other people to enable us to grow and succeed.

  • Raymond N - Saturday, January 26, 2008, 1:49AM ET  Report Abuse

    • Overall: 3/5

    If you are hungry, you are hungry. Not everyone have the mental capacity to change their state of mind. On the other hand, I think the best way to prepare for higher prices is to hedge against it. If you have lots of cash, buy gold. If you are a regular person, buy Silver (I mean bullion, the real thing) If by now you do not know the reason why prices are high is due to over money supply, then you are destined to suffer the consequences. Personally I accumulate silver, not the fiat US dollar which some call "Funny Money". Happy Hedging!

  • Yahoo! Finance User - Friday, January 25, 2008, 7:31PM ET  Report Abuse

    • Overall: 5/5

    This article is a great reminder of how important is to not loose sight of what truly makes us happy in life.

  • Eric J - Friday, January 25, 2008, 12:35PM ET  Report Abuse

    • Overall: 1/5

    nice book report, but not for the financials

  • Yahoo! Finance User - Friday, January 25, 2008, 8:04AM ET  Report Abuse

    • Overall: 5/5

    A wonderful article delivered at just the right moment. My positive attitude was in hiding this morning until I read this article. Now by conscious choice I get to be happy again.

  • Yahoo! Finance User - Thursday, January 24, 2008, 11:38PM ET  Report Abuse

    • Overall: 3/5

    The article sucked, but I'd like to bang this MILF.

  • Yahoo! Finance User - Thursday, January 24, 2008, 10:40PM ET  Report Abuse

    • Overall: 3/5

    Just a reference to the holy books, the bhagvadgita (hindu scripture) sort of preaches the same, "To do your duty and not expect the fruits from it"... To many mortals, this is easier said than done in todays world. -:)

  • Leonard - Thursday, January 24, 2008, 9:07PM ET  Report Abuse

    • Overall: 5/5

    If ife was a matter of circumstance all poor people should be sad and all rich people happy. If life was a matter of circumstance all healthy people shpuld be haqppy and all sick people shoulde be sad. We know this is not true. Life is a matter of relationships primary of which is with the supreme being, our Lord and saviour jesus christ.

  • Yahoo! Finance User - Thursday, January 24, 2008, 6:47PM ET  Report Abuse

    • Overall: 1/5

    Too little reference to finance in this article. This should not be a column on psycology, but on finance.

  • Da Big Guy - Thursday, January 24, 2008, 6:24PM ET  Report Abuse

    • Overall: 3/5

    I hope we can revisit this topic in the afterlife when happiness isn't exposed to worldly problems. I feel much better now!

Showing comments 6-35 of 94<< PreviousNext >>
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