A framework for happiness

Frameworks #1

The framework:

Us humans have a happiness set-point (a baseline level of happiness).

The set-point is individual, driven by heredity, traits, experiences and personal circumstance. There is inertia around this set point.

We can create self reinforcing achievement/expectation loops to improve (or reduce) our happiness set-point over time.

Achievement is an important part of our happiness, but it is only one lever of three. Managing expectations is equally as important a driver of our happiness as achievement. And maintaining and improving our happiness set-point helps us stay in our happy place.

As we achieve more and progress in our careers and lives, our expectations rise even higher so we feel more dissatisfied. These higher expectations make us desperate for more achievement (which is typically external and challenging to achieve) Vs managing our expectations (which is internal and entirely in our control.)

Externalising our locus of happiness causes a feeling of loss control and leads to a negative loop driving down our happiness set-point.

To maximise the happiness yield curve, drive one level higher achievement with one level lower expectation vs your station in life.

A simple way to leverage this framework is just to be kind in our daily life and interactions. Altruism and kindness give us strong achievement with low expectations - and drive the positive loop. Look for unexpected small achievements all the time to drive repeated endorphin hits that produce the self-reinforcing loop that drives the happiness set-point up.

Rarely, we have expectations to change the world. If this is a given in your mental makeup, and you MUST go down that path, then to achieve happiness you will need extraordinary efforts, focus and achievement. Be prepared for the cost you will need to pay and the tradeoffs you will need to make.

Applications:

Retirement: You can retire whenever your lifestyle costs less than your passive income. To retire quickly, simplify your life and minimise your lifestyle first.

Fund management: You can be delighted with your performance as a fund manager if you beat the index, even if your business does not grow.

Target achievement: Setting the right target is as important as achieving it.

Students: Think about lowering expectations by breaking down a long term goal into manageable chunks.

What other applications can you think of? Do you have other happiness frameworks to share?

Add your thoughts below or write to frameworks@adityasehgal.com!

Disclaimers:

This is only one of the Frameworks for happiness. Further dimensions and frameworks to be explored in future newsletters.

Interesting reading:

What is happiness?

Resetting your happiness set-point