The 40%: Your happiness is up to you.

Written By Dr. Barbara Ford Shabazz

50%, 40%, 10% — these are the cause/effect ratios at which positive psychology research tells us results in our happiness.

The 50% is fixed at birth through our DNA and thought to be stable over time, immune to influence or control. Life circumstance is the 10%, which is the good or bad that 'happens to us' in existing. Finally, the 40% of our happiness come from our actions or exercises that require some degree of daily personal effort— Intentional activities.


 
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Changing the game

With that 40% we already possess the tools necessary to be our own personal game changers.  Although we don't have control over genetics and life circumstances, the third factor, intentional activity, is arguably the most hopeful and promising means for altering our perspectives and life. 



Helpful Articles

  1. Happiness - 50% genetics, 10% circumstances, 40% intentional activity - http://www.lifecho.com/happiness-genetics-circumstances-intentional-activity/

  2. Sonja Lyubomirsky and the How of Happiness - http://www.edbatista.com/2009/02/happiness.html

  3. Michael Strahan Wakes Up Happy - http://www.livehappy.com/lifestyle/michael-strahan-wakes-happy


Dr. Barbara Ford Shabazz

I’m a psychologist who coaches. Intentional Activities is a personal and executive coaching practice where I use over two decades of experience to help women and men disrupt negativity, refocus, and assert their true self (with balance!). I believe in creating a safe space where they don’t feel judged, and the hard stuff feels easier to work through. Learn more about how it works.

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