Don’t chase happiness. Become antifragile

Only two categories of persons are immune to unpleasant emotions. Psychopaths are the first category. The second type has died. The idea that living a happy life entails being content all the time is a misconception. No. A key component of living a happy life is learning to accept and even welcome unpleasant emotions. Additionally, a significant area of happiness studies is the study of unpleasant feelings. In the field of happiness studies, I am both a student and an educator. Additionally, "Happier, No Matter What" is my most recent book. The idea that Nassim Taleb introduced is incredibly significant. Antifragility is that. In essence, antifragility is resilience 2.0. Putting strain on a system is known as resilience 1.0. That system returns to its initial state once the pressure is released.

Antifragility is an extension of this concept. A system is under pressure from you. In fact, it gets stronger and bigger. Antifragile systems are present both inside and outside of us. For instance, we work out in the gym and lift weights to strengthen our muscles. Our muscles are being strained. In fact, we become stronger as a consequence. Our system is antifragile. You know what that's called on the psychological level? Post-traumatic growth, or PTG. Therefore, post-traumatic growth is about being stronger as a result of stress, but post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, is about breaking down. Antifragility is what it is.

The goal of the science of happiness is to teach us how to create circumstances that will make it more likely that we will overcome adversity. When it comes to seeking happiness, there is a paradox. On the one hand, we are aware that happiness is a positive thing, whether it is used as a tool or as a goal in and of itself. However, studies by Iris Moss and others have also shown that those who tell themselves, "Happiness is important for me, I want to pursue it," actually become less happy. In actuality, their chances of developing depression are higher. On the one hand, happiness is obviously a positive thing, which is the contradiction.

However, it is problematic to value it as a positive thing. What then do we do? Indirectly pursuing happiness is the solution to this conundrum. Consider sunshine. Thus, my eyes will suffer if I stare at the sun directly. But if I dissect sunshine into its component parts, I can see the rainbow's colours. As a result, I'm savouring and enjoying the sunlight in an indirect manner. Similarly, going after happiness head-on can do more harm than good. However, dissecting it into its component parts can help us appreciate the indirect pursuit of happiness and, consequently, increase our general happiness levels.

In terms of happiness, what are the rainbow's symbolic colours? This is what I've come to refer to as the SPIRE model. Additionally, the antifragile system may be activated. Spiritual, physical, intellectual, relational, and emotional well-being are all represented by the abbreviation SPIRE. Finding meaning and purpose in life, at work, and at home is the goal of spirituality. You're more likely to overcome obstacles if you have a purpose when you get up. Stress, the silent killer, is the most crucial concept to consider when it comes to physical welfare. More than half of American workers never take advantage of their vacation time.

And over half of those who do remain bound by their jobs. The lack of recovery is the issue, not the stress. According to study on intellectual wellbeing, those who are inquisitive and ask questions not only have higher levels of happiness but also have longer lifespans. Asking questions is only one crucial component; another is actively engaging with the content. Text, art, or even nature can be used.

The health of relationships is crucial. Spending quality time with those we care about and who care about us is the best indicator of happiness. And it turns out that the most important factor we can do to make it more likely that we will be able to overcome adversity and flourish is the quality of our relationships. Lastly, emotional wellbeing. Cicero said, "Gratitude is the mother of all virtues." When we appreciate the good in our lives, we have more of them. Therefore, happiness is much more than pleasure.

Happiness is wholebeing. These five factors combined create that sunshine, happiness. I don't think there is a point before which one is unhappy after which one is happy; rather, happiness resides on a continuum. It's a lifelong journey. Having this knowledge allows us to have reasonable rather than irrational expectations about what is possible. We may, however, learn to make the most of the circumstances that arise to gain even more knowledge from the most influential thinkers in the world.