Arthur Brooks, a renowned Harvard researcher, has emphasized that happiness is not a destination, but a journey. He asserts that three essential components, which he terms “super nutrients,” work together to achieve long-term happiness. In this article, we will explore these three components and discuss how to incorporate them into your daily life.
In one of the most popular courses at Harvard University, Brooks teaches business school students about managing happiness. Brooks contends that finding happiness is not a predestination, but rather the sum of one’s experiences and actions in life.
Brooks identifies three vital elements that contribute to happiness: joy, satisfaction, and purpose. He refers to these components as “super micronutrients of happiness” and believes that they are interconnected. Brooks suggests that joy arises from sharing pleasant experiences with others, while satisfaction emerges from working hard to achieve one’s goals.
Furthermore, Brooks highlights the importance of having a purpose in life. He believes that people require a sense of coherence, purpose, and meaning to feel fulfilled and happy.
According to Brooks, the journey to happiness involves developing emotional intelligence and being consciously aware of one’s emotions and reactions. He also emphasizes the role of resilience, patience, and perseverance in achieving happiness.
World-renowned expert Daniel Goleman, who has conducted extensive research on emotional intelligence, agrees with Brooks’ findings. Goleman suggests that emotional intelligence enables individuals to cultivate a sense of fulfillment by being connected to what they do and to others.
Overall, experts such as Brooks, Goleman, and Robert Waldinger, a Harvard researcher, concur that happiness can be cultivated through intentional habits, such as sharing joyful experiences with others, working towards one’s goals, and fostering a sense of purpose and meaning.
Enjoyment: Achieving this requires sharing the most pleasant experiences with others.
The satisfaction: It is the joy and reward that comes from working hard for something.
Purpose: It is the feeling that our life has meaning.
Psychologist Sonja Lyubumoirsky agrees with the notion that a sense of purpose and fulfillment is crucial for long-term happiness.
