The Three Pillars of Happiness: Genetics, Circumstances and Voluntary Activities

The Genetic Starting Point: Our "Adjustment Level" of Happiness

Scientific research on well-being has revealed that our ability to experience happiness is influenced by a combination of factors.

The first pillar is our genetic set point. Each person has a general tendency to feel happiness that is largely determined by genetics and other birth variables.

This explains why some people seem to be naturally more cheerful and optimistic, while others tend to be more melancholic, regardless of their life conditions.

Some studies suggest that this genetic component may determine up to 50% of our overall happiness level.

This pillar is largely immutable; it is the deck of cards we were dealt at birth.

Recognizing its existence is important for managing our expectations, but, as we will see, it is far from the only factor that determines our emotional destiny.

The Surprisingly Limited Impact of Life Circumstances

The second pillar of happiness is life circumstances.

These include external and demographic factors such as our marital status, our income, the country we live in, our health, or our job.

Intuitively, we tend to greatly overestimate the impact of these circumstances on our well-being.

We believe that a raise in salary, a new relationship or a move to a bigger house will bring us lasting happiness.

However, one of the most surprising findings of positive psychology is that the power of these circumstances is remarkably limited.

Research suggests that life circumstances only account for about 10% of the variation in our happiness levels.

This is largely due to a phenomenon known as "hedonic adaptation," which causes us to quickly become accustomed to both improvements and worsening of our situation, returning to our baseline level of happiness.

The Power of 40%: Intentional and Voluntary Activities

If genetics make up 50% and circumstances make up 10%, what makes up the rest? This is where the power to transform our own lives lies.

The third pillar, which accounts for the remaining 40% of our happiness, is intentional or voluntary activities.

This component refers to the conscious choices we make and the behaviors we can control in our day-to-day lives.

Unlike our genetic set point, which is fixed, and our circumstances, which are often difficult to change, our daily activities are completely under our control.

This is the realm of gratitude, optimism, social relationships, exercise, meditation and meaningful goal setting.

This finding is incredibly empowering, as it demonstrates that a substantial portion of our emotional well-being is not predetermined, but is a direct result of our actions and mindset.

Taking the Reins: Where to Focus Our Effort to Be Happier

The conclusion derived from this three-pillar model is clear and optimistic.

Although we cannot change our genetic predisposition and the impact of improving our circumstances is less than we expect, we have a huge 40% leeway that depends on our deliberate actions.

This means that, regardless of the cards we have been dealt, the way we play our hand has a decisive impact on the outcome of the game.

Instead of focusing