Chasing Joy: Decoding the Complexity
of Happiness in Modern Society

In our contemporary and fast-paced world, the relentless pursuit of success often intertwines with the quest for happiness, necessitating a pause to reconsider our approach. Happiness, that elusive state of contentment and joy, propels individuals to great lengths. Paradoxically, the more actively we chase it, the more elusive it becomes. This pursuit is rife with contradictions, suggesting that constant striving may leave us feeling empty, while finding joy in everyday moments can be deeply satisfying.

In the exploration of defining happiness, we navigate through its intricate web of emotions, experiences, and values. According to Tchiki Davis, the founder & CEO of Berkeley Well-Being Institute, “Happiness is defined differently depending on who you ask. Some people define happiness as a positive emotional experience. Others define happiness as having two parts called hedonia (pleasure) and eudaimonia (thriving).” Davis’s insightful article, “What Is Happiness, Anyway?” underscores the notion that happiness is not a singular concept but a tapestry of various components. To comprehend happiness fully, we must acknowledge its dynamic nature shaped by individual perspectives and life experiences. This essay posits that happiness is not a final destination; it’s an ongoing journey where we relish life’s simple pleasures. Actively chasing happiness makes it harder to attain, emphasizing the importance of being in the moment and paying attention to daily life.

In a success-driven society, many equate ambition with happiness, believing that striving relentlessly is the path to fulfillment. However, excessive effort can lead to stress and fatigue, akin to solving a puzzle where success doesn’t guarantee happiness. While setting and achieving goals can bring a sense of accomplishment and happiness to some, it’s vital to consider the toll this pursuit takes on overall well-being, including mental and emotional health. Discovering happiness in everyday life is facilitated by practices such as showing gratitude and empathy. These strategies emphasize maintaining a positive mindset and deepening connections with the world. Finding joy in simple moments and practicing gratitude can lead individuals to unlock a more enduring form of happiness, shifting the focus from future success to appreciating the present.

In the relentless pursuit of happiness, we often find ourselves racing towards an elusive finish line. The concept of happiness, simple yet complex, has captivated human imagination for centuries. This essay contends that true happiness emerges from discovering joy in everyday moments rather than constantly chasing it. Defining happiness is a multifaceted challenge, varying from person to person. Tchiki Davis suggests breaking happiness down into its constituent parts, exploring factors like gratitude and empathy. To understand happiness fully, we must acknowledge its dynamic nature, shaped by individual perspectives and life experiences. Happiness is not an endpoint but a continuous journey marked by an appreciation for life’s simple pleasures. The idea that happiness is elusive when actively pursued underscores the importance of being present and mindful in daily lives. True happiness, as defined here, emerges when we shift our focus from what we lack to what we already have, finding joy in the everyday.

The variety of human experiences means that happiness is different for each person. Striving for specific goals, such as advancing in a career, can accidentally lead to stress and unhappiness. Often, the pursuit of external accomplishments hides a deeper need for inner contentment, which tends to be more successful when it’s not the primary focus. Dan Gilbert, a Harvard psychologist, explains in his Ted Talk, “The surprising science of happiness,” a compelling experiment conducted at Harvard. In the experiment, participants enrolled in a photography course were tasked with selecting between two cherished pictures, knowing they had to relinquish one. The conditions varied: some were informed they could reconsider their choice within the next few days, while others were apprised that their decision was irrevocable, and the chosen picture would be promptly dispatched. Surprisingly, participants who committed irrevocably to their choice exhibited greater satisfaction and enjoyment with their selected photo, even days later. Conversely, those in the reversible condition, given the option to swap, experienced ongoing dissatisfaction, perpetually questioning their decision.

The interpretation of this experiment offers a profound insight into the nature of happiness. It underscores that we can generate a form of synthetic happiness by fostering resilience and recognizing the value of our current choices. The findings suggest that the perpetual pursuit of happiness may be hindered by the inclination to second-guess decisions and entertain alternative possibilities. The key takeaway is that contentment with our present circumstances and choices can be a potent source of genuine happiness. Instead of ceaselessly seeking external changes or alternatives, embracing and finding joy in our current situations contributes to a more profound and enduring sense of well-being. This experiment emphasizes the intrinsic connection between contentment and the pursuit of authentic happiness, underscoring the importance of adopting a mindset of acceptance and gratitude for the present.

In conclusion, as we navigate the intricate landscape of happiness in our contemporary and fast-paced world, it becomes evident that the relentless pursuit of success is closely entwined with the quest for happiness. This intertwining prompts a crucial pause, compelling us to reconsider our approach to achieving contentment and joy. Happiness, often perceived as an elusive state, propels individuals to great lengths, yet paradoxically, the more actively we chase it, the more elusive it becomes. The pursuit itself is fraught with contradictions, suggesting that continuous striving may leave us feeling empty, while finding joy in everyday moments proves to be deeply satisfying.

Meet Sarah and Mark, two successful CEOs in different industries. On the surface, Sarah appears to have it all – a lavish lifestyle, luxurious vacations, and substantial wealth. In contrast, Mark lives more modestly, prioritizing frugality and contributing a significant part of his income to charitable causes. You might think Sarah is happier due to her wealth and extravagant life, while Mark, despite his modest living, might seem to struggle more. This essay explores and challenges the notion that financial success guarantees well-being.

In today’s corporate world, stress is rampant, affecting employees’ well-being and organizational productivity. The pressures of modern business environments can be overwhelming, and it’s not just the employees who bear the brunt. CEOs, the leaders of these organizations, also grapple with high-stress levels and unique challenges. However, there’s a growing realization that resilience, the ability to bounce back from adversity, plays a crucial role in combating workplace stress and improving mental health.

Cindy Kermott et al., in their study titled “Is higher resilience predictive of lower stress and better mental health among corporate executives?” shed light on the stress epidemic in the corporate realm. They emphasize the shocking statistic that “The large inverse association of resilience with anxiety and depression was noteworthy, with an almost 3-fold higher prevalence of anxiety and a 4-fold higher prevalence of depression in the lower-resilience group compared with the higher-resilience group.” This survey of executives found that those with higher resilience reported a better quality of life, lower stress, and a lower prevalence of mental health issues like depression. These benefits remained consistent across various factors like education, age, gender, and income. The study aligns with previous research, indicating that promoting resilience in the corporate setting could help alleviate the negative impact of workplace stress on mental health. However, it acknowledges limitations, such as its cross-sectional design and reliance on self-reported outcomes.

Personal and professional growth is a fundamental part of self-improvement. This journey involves continuous learning, skill development, and the pursuit of challenging goals. For CEOs, this journey is ongoing and equips them with resilience and effective coping mechanisms to handle the stress of their demanding roles. Justin Berg, an assistant professor at Stanford Graduate School of Business, suggests that embracing growth, both personally and professionally, enhances an individual’s ability to withstand stress. This implies that the pursuit of self-improvement is not solely about achieving success but also about fostering resilience.

Happiness isn’t solely about wealth and luxury. It’s about finding purpose and contributing to the greater good. Many CEOs actively engage in philanthropic initiatives and create positive societal impacts. Take Bill Gates, for example, who, through his foundation, exemplifies how contributing to society provides a profound sense of purpose. These acts of philanthropy and contribution often bring immense fulfillment and happiness to CEOs, transcending the boundaries of financial success. There are different facets of well-being, and it’s not limited to a hedonic pursuit of pleasure. Eudaimonic well-being, which centers on finding meaning and self-actualization, stands in contrast to hedonic well-being. People who actively enjoy the small victories in life and have resilience tend to experience eudaimonic well-being, which is closely linked to enduring happiness and contentment. It’s not only about fleeting moments of joy; it’s about a deep and enduring sense of well-being.

Cath Everett, a journalist writes about her conversation with psychotherapist and mindset coach Ella McCrystal in her article, “Why CEOs’ mental health is business-critical”, McCrystal says “Many CEOs have quite an obsessive nature, which helped them get to the top in the first place, but it can make them single-minded about work and lead to self-sabotage,” McCrystal says. “Or they can just be so dissociated from themselves and so focused on the tasks at hand that they don’t realize they’re burning out.” McCrystal’s insight highlights a paradox among achievement-driven individuals, particularly CEOs. Their obsessive focus on success, while propelling them to the top, often leads to a single-minded pursuit of tasks, potentially resulting in self-sabotage. The quote emphasizes how this relentless drive can cause dissociation from personal well-being, leading to burnout. For such individuals, the pursuit of achievements becomes a perpetual quest for fleeting moments of joy, overshadowing a balanced and sustainable approach to happiness. The cycle of constant achievement may offer momentary rewards but risks a disconnection from a holistic and fulfilling life.

Contrastingly, those individuals striving for perfection often experience heightened anxiety, dissatisfaction, and chronic stress. Perfectionism can be a double-edged sword, often leading to more harm than good. On the other hand, mindfulness emphasizes improvement and resilience, minimizing the negative impact of perfectionism. A growth mindset, characterized by the belief in one’s ability to develop and improve, plays a crucial role in attaining happiness. It promotes an ongoing path of self-improvement and adaptation, empowering individuals to overcome challenges and sustain a positive outlook.

In exploring the lives of CEOs Sarah and Mark, it becomes evident that Mark possesses a unique ability to synthesize happiness by being present in the moment and relishing the small victories of life. While Sarah’s opulent lifestyle might suggest a pathway to contentment, it is Mark’s intentional choices and mindfulness that provide a deeper understanding of genuine well-being.

Mark’s modest lifestyle, characterized by frugality and a commitment to charitable causes, reflects a deliberate choice to prioritize meaning over material excess. This intentional decision underscores Mark’s ability to find joy in simplicity and highlights his capacity to synthesize happiness from experiences that extend beyond financial success. Mark actively engages in philanthropic endeavors, this not only contributes to societal well-being but also allows him discover a profound sense of purpose and contentment in making a positive impact.

Furthermore, Mark’s resilience, as demonstrated through his ability to bounce back from challenges, positions him to appreciate the present and derive happiness from everyday moments. The act of giving, coupled with a mindful approach to life, allows Mark to find joy in the journey rather than fixating solely on the destination. His capacity to synthesize happiness lies in the appreciation of life’s small victories, fostering a deeper and more enduring sense of well-being.

In contrast, Sarah’s opulence may not inherently provide the same opportunities for synthesizing happiness. The pursuit of lavish experiences and material wealth, while offering moments of pleasure, may not necessarily contribute to a sustained and authentic sense of contentment. Mark’s story serves as a reminder that true happiness often emerges from cultivating gratitude for the present, finding meaning in one’s actions, and savoring the simple joys that life has to offer. In essence, Mark’s ability to synthesize happiness goes beyond the external trappings of success. It is rooted in mindfulness, resilience, and a conscious choice to derive joy from the journey. His story encourages us to reconsider the sources of genuine well-being, emphasizing the importance of being present in the moment and embracing life’s little victories as integral components of a fulfilling and happy life.

In conclusion, the essay challenges the conventional belief that financial success guarantees well-being by examining the lives of CEOs Sarah and Mark. It addresses the prevalent issue of stress in the corporate world and underscores the vital role of resilience in mitigating workplace stress, drawing on studies and expert insights. The exploration expands to distinguish between hedonic and eudaimonic well-being, showcasing how CEOs contributing to society can find profound purpose and fulfillment beyond financial success. The concept of synthesizing happiness is introduced, emphasizing that individuals who actively enjoy small victories and cultivate resilience tend to experience enduring well-being.

While the essay emphasizes the intrinsic value of the journey in pursuit of happiness, it’s essential to acknowledge the opposing argument that suggests setting and achieving goals as the primary path to fulfillment. This perspective posits that the process of defining clear objectives and successfully reaching them is the key to a content and satisfied life.

Proponents of the goal-centric approach like Kennon Sheldon et al. argue that having well-defined goals provides individuals with a sense of direction and purpose. Setting specific targets allows for a structured and organized life, where each accomplishment contributes to a fulfilling sense of achievement. The satisfaction derived from reaching milestones is seen as a reliable source of happiness, creating a tangible and measurable foundation for well-being.

Moreover, the pursuit of goals is considered a motivational force that propels individuals forward in their personal and professional lives. The sense of progress and accomplishment serves as a continuous source of inspiration, encouraging individuals to strive for higher aspirations. This perspective contends that the act of setting and achieving goals not only provides happiness in the moment of success but also lays the groundwork for sustained well-being by fostering a mindset of continual improvement.

Sheldon et al.’s study titled “Persistent pursuit of need-satisfying goals leads to increased happiness: A 6-month experimental longitudinal study”, explores how the groups of people in their studies benefited greatly and experienced happiness through goal setting. Their study called the “Community happiness study” recruited 181 participants through a University of Missouri announcement, with an imbalanced gender ratio and diverse representation across student, faculty, staff, and administrator roles. Participants were informed about the study’s purpose, emphasizing voluntary participation and the absence of guaranteed positive effects. After completing an initial questionnaire, participants generated and rated four personal goals. The study spanned four waves over 6 months, with sample sizes of 173, 151, and 145 participants. Demographic variables like gender, income, and occupation had minimal influence on the reported patterns. Participants received compensation for the initial session and were entered into a lottery for completing the entire study. Follow-up questionnaires were administered online at 2, 4, and 6 months post the initial session. The study aimed to compare the effects of exercises on participants’ state of mind, exploring long-term impacts on happiness.  

Sheldon and his colleagues concluded that “The data supported all three of our hypotheses. Most important, our first hypothesis, and the general notion that “becoming happier takes both a will and a proper way.” The authors’ conclusions align with the notion that “becoming happier takes both a will and a proper way.” While the study emphasizes the benefits of persistent pursuit of goals, it overlooks potential downsides. Using goal setting as a tool for happiness might inadvertently contribute to a cycle of chasing achievements for fleeting moments of joy. Over time, this relentless pursuit may lead to burnout as individuals become singularly focused on tasks, potentially sacrificing their well-being in the process. The study’s positive findings should be balanced with a recognition of the potential pitfalls associated with the continuous pursuit of goals. 

In examining the opposing argument, it’s crucial to acknowledge that the pursuit of goals can indeed be a meaningful and fulfilling path to happiness for many individuals. The satisfaction derived from setting and achieving objectives, the motivational drive it instills, and the external recognition received all contribute to a robust and measurable framework for well-being. While this perspective may differ from the essay’s emphasis on the journey, it represents a valid and widely accepted approach to finding happiness in one’s pursuits. Balancing these contrasting viewpoints allows for a comprehensive understanding of the complex dynamics involved in the pursuit of a content and meaningful life.

The intrinsic value of life and the journey we take lies within the journey itself. Each step taken, every challenge faced, and every lesson learned contributes significantly to the happiness experienced during the pursuit of a goal. It’s about acknowledging and finding joy in the progress made, not solely fixating on the final destination. The research conducted by Anthony D. Ong and his peers shed light on how these positive feelings felt during the journey contribute to a healthier life. In their study titled “The Health Significance of Positive Emotions in Adulthood and Later Life” Ong writes “positive emotion is believed to directly affect health via behavioral, physiological, and stressor exposure pathways.” Ong emphasizes the impact of positive emotions on health through various pathways. In the context of life’s journey, being mindful along the way allows individuals to find happiness in the small victories and positive experiences. This mindfulness contributes to resilience, as it involves acknowledging and appreciating the progress made, not just fixating on the final destination. Cultivating an awareness of the positive moments in the journey, can help individuals enhance their ability to bounce back from challenges and develop a deeper sense of well-being. Resilience, in this context, becomes a byproduct of mindful engagement with life’s experiences, fostering enduring happiness and a healthier overall outlook.

Contrary to the widely held belief that reaching a goal ensures a lasting state of happiness, research indicates that the joy derived from achievement is often short lived. The feelings experienced upon reaching a goal tend to fade over time, and the pursuit of new goals becomes necessary to sustain a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

Alastair Dryburgh, the CEO of Akenhurst Consultants and a regular contributor to Management Today, writes about how reflection can help people in the corporate world have a more mindful mindset in his Forbes article “The Curse Of Success?” Dryburgh writes “The real task is harder; we need to recognise that much of what made us successful in the past will cause us to fail in the future.” This illustrates how the challenge lies not only in embracing new approaches but also in letting go of old habits that have become ingrained in one’s identity. The idea is to detach what we do from who we are, allowing for flexibility and adaptation. The key lies in finding a harmonious balance. Appreciating both the journey and the destination creates a holistic approach to goal attainment. It involves deriving joy from the process while maintaining a focus on the end goal for a more enriching and fulfilling experience. Striking this balance requires a mindful approach to goal setting and pursuit, setting realistic expectations, and recognizing that the journey is not merely a means to an end but a significant part of the overall experience. Acknowledging the interconnectedness of process and outcome, allows individuals to navigate their pursuits with a sense of purpose and resilience.

In life, happiness plays a recurring role, and our exploration challenges the common idea that reaching a destination guarantees fulfillment. The act of working towards a goal stands out as a significant factor for long-term happiness. As we passionately pursue our goals, let’s find joy not just at the top but in every step of the way. This comprehensive view of chasing goals and its complex connection with happiness encourages people to rethink success. It promotes a shift from seeing goals as mere endpoints to understanding them as essential parts of an ongoing and changing journey. We embrace a more lasting and nuanced approach to happiness by doing this, one that thrives not only in achieving goals but in the very essence of the pursuit itself.

The pursuit of happiness, as explored in this essay, unfolds as a nuanced journey encompassing diverse perspectives on the intrinsic value of the pursuit. While proponents of goal-centric approaches, exemplified by Sheldon et al.’s research, emphasize the structured path of setting and achieving objectives, the essay encourages a balanced reflection. It highlights the potential downsides of relentless goal pursuit, as underscored by concerns of burnout and fleeting joy. Moreover, the essay advocates for the recognition of happiness embedded in the journey itself, drawing on the insights of Anthony D. Ong and his peers regarding positive emotions and resilience. The essay challenges the notion that reaching a goal guarantees lasting fulfillment, it prompts a reevaluation of success, urging individuals to derive joy from every step of the way. This comprehensive perspective invites a shift from viewing goals as mere endpoints to recognizing them as integral components of an ongoing and evolving journey, fostering a deeper and more enduring approach to happiness.

References

(N.d.). Dan Gilbert: The surprising science of happiness | TED Talk. Retrieved October 22, 2023, from https://www.ted.com/talks/dan_gilbert_the_surprising_science_of_happiness/transcript.

Dryburgh, A. (2015, June 29). The curse of success?. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/alastairdryburgh/2015/06/29/the-curse-of-success/?sh=5bf044695a4c

Everett, C. (2023a, May 2). Why CEOS’ mental health is business-critical. Raconteur. https://www.raconteur.net/leadership/ceo-mental-health#:~:text=A%20survey%20by%20Deloitte%20last,to%20reset%20their%20emotional%20balance.

05, J., | by Corey Binns, Binns, C., Berg, J. M., Wrzesniewski, A., Grant, A. M., Kurkoski, J., & Welle, B. (2022, July 5). Take this job and love it: How a growth mindset can boost happiness at work. Stanford Graduate School of Business. https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/insights/take-job-love-it-how-growth-mindset-can-boost-happiness-work

Kermott, C. A., Johnson, R. E., Sood, R., Jenkins, S. M., & Sood, A. (n.d.). Is higher resilience predictive of Lower Stress and better mental health among corporate executives?. PLOS ONE. https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0218092 

Ong, A. D., Mroczek, D. K., & Riffin, C. (2011, August 1). The health significance of positive emotions in adulthood and later life. Social and personality psychology compass. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3173764/

Sheldon, K. M., Abad, N., Ferguson, Y., Gunz, A., Houser-Marko, L., Nichols, C. P., & Lyubomirsky, S. (2009, December 8). Persistent pursuit of need-satisfying goals leads to increased happiness: A 6-month Experimental Longitudinal Study – motivation and emotion. SpringerLink. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11031-009-9153-1Sussex Publishers. (n.d.).

What is happiness, anyway?. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/click-here-happiness/202009/what-is-happiness-anyway