Lecture 37 Achieving Happiness 2 Definition of Happiness

Lecture 37

Achieving Happiness- 2

Definition of Happiness, a state of joy, pleasure, goodness, or satisfaction.

The Five Principles of Psychological Functioning

n A related approach to finding happiness is to follow the five principles of psychological functioning recommended by popular psychologist Richard Carlson.

1 - The first principle is thinking. Directing your thinking in a positive direction will enhance your happiness.

2 - The second principle is moods. Ignoring bad moods contributes to happiness.

3 - The third principle is separate psychological realities, suggesting that you accept the idea that people think differently.

4 - The fourth principle is feelings. If you feel discontented, for example, clear the head and start thinking positively.

5 - The fifth principle of psychological functioning is the present moment. The present moment is where moat people find happiness and inner peace.

The Five Principles of Psychological Functioning n 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. A related approach to finding happiness is to follow the five principles of psychological functioning recommended by popular psychologist Richard Carlson. The first principle is thinking. Directing your thinking in a positive direction will enhance your happiness. The second principle is moods. Ignoring bad moods contributes to happiness. The third principle is separate psychological realities, suggesting that you accept the idea that people think differently. The fourth principle is feelings. If you feel discontented, for example, clear the head and start thinking positively. The fifth principle of psychological functioning is the present moment. The present moment is where moat people find happiness and inner peace.

14 Tips to Achieve Happiness

14 Tips to achieve happiness n n n n 1) Endeavor to change the way you look at things. Always look at the bright side. 2) Think of solutions, not problems. 3) Listen to relaxing, uplifting music. 4) Watch funny comedies that make you laugh. 5) Each day, devote some time to reading a few pages of an inspiring book or article. 6) Watch your thoughts. Whenever you catch yourself thinking negative thoughts, start thinking of pleasant things. 7) Always look at what you have done and not at what you haven't.

n n n n n 8) Each day do something good for yourself. buying a book, eating something you like, watching you favorite program on TV, going to a movie, or just having a stroll on the beach. 9) Each day do at least one act to make others happy. 10) Always expect happiness. 11) Do not envy people who are happy. On the contrary, be happy for their happiness. 12) Associate with happy people, and try to learn from them to be happy. Remember, happiness is contagious. 13) Do your best to stay detached, when things do not proceed as intended and desired. Detachment will help you stay calm and control your moods and reactions. Detachment is not indifference. It is the acceptance of the good and the bad and staying balanced. Detachment has much to do with inner peace, and inner peace is conductive to happiness. 14) Smile more often.

1) Endeavor to change the way you look at things. Always look at the bright side.

2) Think of solutions, not problems.

3) Listen to relaxing, uplifting music.

4) Watch funny comedies that make you laugh.

5) Each day, devote some time to reading a few pages of an inspiring book or article.

6) Watch your thoughts. Whenever you catch yourself thinking negative thoughts, start thinking of pleasant things.

7) Always look at what you have done and not at what you haven't.

8) Each day do something good for yourself. Buying a book, eating something you like, watching you favorite program on TV, going to a movie, or just having a stroll on the beach.

9) Each day do at least one act to make others happy.

10) Always expect happiness.

11) Do not envy people who are happy. On the contrary, be happy for their happiness.

12) Associate with happy people, and try to learn from them to be happy. Remember, happiness is contagious.

13) Do your best to stay detached, when things do not proceed as intended and desired.

Detachment will help you stay calm and control your moods and reactions. Detachment is not indifference. It is the acceptance of the good and the bad and staying balanced.

n Detachment has much to do with inner peace, and inner peace is conductive to happiness.

14) Smile More Often

Planned Approach to Develop Relationships

The problem-solving method can be used to enhance one’s personal life despite claims that planning takes the goodness of relations out of personal life.

It is the feeling of demoralization and disappointment that takes place when your relations become rough.

Why People are Attracted To One Another

As part of enriching social life, it is helpful to understand why people are attracted to each other.

Understanding these forces may help in choosing a compatible person for a long-term relationship.

A. Balance Theory of Attraction

Balance theory states that people prefer relationships that are consistent or balanced.

We are thus attracted to similar people because they reinforce our opinions and values.

B. Social Exchange Theory of Attraction

According to social exchange theory, human relationships are based mainly on self-interest.

People match their social, physical, and other assets or potential relationships.

The closer the match, the more likely they will develop a long-term relationship.

One explanation of these findings is that the feeling of being taken advantage of corrodes a relationship. It is also disturbing to feel that you are taking advantage of your partner.