Factors that influence happiness

Sonja Lyubomirsky's model: 50% genetics, 10% circumstances, 40% willpower

Happiness is one of the great human aspirations. Positive psychology has investigated which factors influence it.

Author Sonja Lyubomirsky proposes a well-known model.

According to her, our happiness depends on three main factors: genetics (50%), circumstances (10%), and deliberate willpower (40%).

The influence of genes: the "glass half full" vs. "glass half empty"

The first factor is genetics. Some people have a natural tendency to be more optimistic and recover easily from setbacks.

Others have a predisposition toward negativity.

The trainable factor: deliberate willpower

The second factor is the circumstances of our lives (health, finances, etc.). Surprisingly, this factor only influences 10%.

The third factor, deliberate will, is the most important. It includes our intentional actions, thoughts, and attitudes.

And most crucially, it is completely trainable.

Attitude as a Key Determinant of Contentment

This means we have enormous power to influence our own happiness. We are not determined by our genes or our circumstances.

Almost half of our happiness depends on what we do and think, giving us control of our own well-being.

Summary

Psychologist Sonja Lyubomirsky proposes that happiness is 50% due to genetics, 10% due to circumstances, and 40% due to our choices. This view emphasizes the role of conscious effort.

Although some people have a genetic predisposition toward optimism or pessimism, that does not completely define well-being. Personal attitude and deliberate actions can be trained and developed.

This means we have power over almost half of our happiness. With positive thoughts, healthy habits, and purpose, we can increase our well-being beyond what we inherit or experience.