I see a steady stream of people coming through my office who are not happy and wonder why.
They're working hard, playing hard, raising lovely families, living the "good life", doing what they're supposed to do.
But somehow it's just not working for them.
They're not happy.
Scientists have not studied happiness much.
They seem to prefer to look at negative emotions like anxiety, depression, guilt, shame and anger.
There is, however, some research-based knowledge about the nature of happiness.
In the January, 1995 issue of the journal, Psychological Science, psychologists David Myers and Ed Diener point to four traits that happy people seem to possess: 1.
Self-esteem - They tend to like and approve of themselves.
2.
Sense of control - They feel they are in charge of their own lives.
3.
Optimism - They expect things to go well for them.
4.
Extroversion - They are out-going, not shy.
Happy people are likely to have closer relationships than unhappy people do.
They are able to "go with the flow" and enjoy what's happening in the moment.
They are also more apt to be religiously active.
Happiness is not related to age, race, gender or income.
Nor is there any particular time of life that is especially happy or unhappy.
Once basic needs are met, having more money does not lead to higher levels of happiness.
Even a big score, such as a lottery win, only provides a temporary boost.
Although incomes have almost doubled in real dollars during the past thirty-five years, the number of people describing themselves as "very happy" has not changed.
In sum, happiness is seen to encompass three main areas: 1.
An ability to adapt to changing circumstances.
2.
A view of the world as benevolent and controllable.
3.
Values and goals that provide a sense of direction.