The Art And Science Of How To Be Happy

by Oyshi H, Luxe Fortuna Coaching

Happiness is more than a fleeting feeling—it’s a combination of art and science, rooted in how we live, think, and connect with the world around us. Whether you’re striving to thrive in your personal life, excel in your professional career, or become a more effective leader, cultivating happiness is essential. In this article, we’ll explore insights from Arthur C. Brooks, a scientist and Harvard professor, and take a closer look at how enjoyment, satisfaction, and meaning form the foundation of a fulfilling life.

Part 1: Enjoyment: The Key to Authentic Joy

What does it mean to truly enjoy something? Contrary to what many believe, enjoyment isn’t the same as pleasure. Pleasure is a temporary chemical reaction in the brain triggered by stimuli—it feels good in the moment but fades quickly. If you constantly chase pleasure, you may find yourself stuck on what Arthur Brooks calls the “hedonic treadmill,” always seeking more but never reaching true happiness.

Enjoyment, however, is different. It’s pleasure combined with connection and memory. It’s sharing an experience with others, creating lasting bonds and meaningful moments. For example, a delicious meal tastes better when shared with loved ones, transforming it from mere pleasure into enjoyment.

Great leaders understand the importance of managing their emotions and creating environments where enjoyment thrives. After all, emotions are the language of humans—they guide our decisions and shape our experiences. By combining self-awareness with the ability to share joy, leaders foster connections and inspire others.

Part 2: Satisfaction: The Reward of Hard Work

Satisfaction comes from overcoming challenges, putting in effort, and experiencing the joy of accomplishment. It’s a cycle: suffering → struggle → reward → accomplishment → satisfaction. This process highlights the importance of delayed gratification—an essential skill that helps us work through struggles to enjoy long-term rewards.

Think of a project at work with countless moving parts. It takes time, energy, and focus to hit the finish line, but the feeling of satisfaction once you’ve accomplished it is worth every ounce of effort. However, there’s a catch: satisfaction is fleeting.

Why doesn’t satisfaction last?
Our brains are wired for survival, not happiness. Negative emotions and stimuli are prioritized over positive ones, a leftover mechanism from our prehistoric past when survival depended on vigilance. This means that no matter how hard you work toward a goal, the satisfaction you feel will naturally fade as your brain resets.

To break free from the endless cycle of wanting more, it’s crucial to focus on gratitude. Instead of constantly chasing new desires, pause to appreciate what you already have. When crafting your goals or holiday wish lists, try making them smaller. The less you want, the more content you’ll feel.

Part 3: Meaning: The Heart of Happiness

The most important ingredient for a happy life is meaning—a sense of purpose and connection to something greater than yourself. There are three pillars to finding meaning:

Coherence: Understanding that things happen for a reason and seeing how they fit into the larger picture of life.
Purpose: Knowing what you’re meant to do and living with intention.
Significance: Believing that your life matters and has value.

To discover your “why,” ask yourself these profound questions inspired by philosophers like Aristotle, Plato, and Socrates:

Why am I alive?
What would I be willing to give my life for?

Reflecting on these questions can illuminate your path and help you live with greater clarity and purpose.

The Habits of Happy People

While genetics and circumstances influence happiness, the real key lies in habits. Your habits not only shape your experiences but also help you manage your emotions and create meaningful connections. Here are the habits of the happiest people:

Faith in Something Bigger: Happy people find comfort and inspiration in something greater than themselves, whether it’s spirituality, philosophy, or a connection to nature. This belief provides a sense of coherence and stability in life.
Family: Family, loved ones that you want to spend your time with, whose present lights you up. Some are lucky to have strong relationships with their blood relatives, while others have to find their family – either way these connections are critical to your overall happiness.
Friends: who share your joys, support you through challenges, and know who you are. Focus on quality over quantity when it comes to friendships.
Meaningful Work: Engage in activities that bring authentic joy and align with your values. Whether it’s a job, a creative pursuit, or volunteering- creating value, being acknowledged for your contributions, earning your success brings a sense of satisfaction, accomplishment and purpose. Another way to find meaning is understanding how your work can be a service to others. Helping others is one of the most fulfilling ways to find meaning in our work. Whether through community service, mentorship, or acts of kindness, working in a company that contributes to your community, serving others strengthens your sense of significance and dignity.

The Art and Science of Happiness

Happiness is not a single destination but a journey shaped by enjoyment, satisfaction, and meaning. By cultivating habits that foster connection, gratitude, and purpose, you can rewire your brain to embrace positivity and fulfillment.

Remember, your brain may naturally resist happiness—it’s programmed for survival, not joy. But with intentional effort, you can break free from the “hedonic treadmill” and create a life that aligns with your values and aspirations.

Arthur C. Brooks, in his book Build the Life You Want: The Art and Science of Getting Happier, reminds us that happiness is something we can actively work toward with the right tools and mindset. His research underscores the importance of intentionality in shaping a life of meaning and joy.

At Luxe Fortuna Coaching, we specialize in helping you build healthy habits, uncover your unique path, and guide you in your search for meaning. Whether you’re looking to grow personally, professionally, or in your business- our holistic approach can empower you to create a life of fulfillment and success.

Start today by finding joy in the little things, appreciating what you already have, and discovering your unique purpose. Happiness is both an art and a science, and it’s within your power to master it.