M 4 L 2013 Lesson 6 How can

M 4 L 2013 Lesson 6 How can I find happiness when things don't go my way? © Paul T. P. Wong, Ph. D. , C. Psych

Overview • Happiness is possible no matter what • The things you need to know about happiness • The myths of happiness • Different types of happiness • Simple rules for happiness

Does this describe you?

Things You Need to Know about Happiness • It is an umbrella term for various positive emotions • Feelings of serenity and contentment • Feelings of ecstasy come after great agony • Feelings of aliveness come from struggling • Feelings of comfort in times of great sorrow • It involves some cognitive assessment of satisfaction • The more you pursue happiness & avoid pain, the more anxious you will be

5 Myths of Happiness 1. You can have instant happiness 2. You can have lasting happiness 3. Everyone has a fixed set point for happiness 4. Money can buy happiness 5. The happiness formula is a scientific equation

The Happiness Formula

WONG’S 4 TYPES OF HAPPINESS 1. Hedonic The pleasant moments such as “eat, drink, and be merry” 2. Prudential The “flow” or enjoyment of doing what one does best 3. Eudaimonic A sense of fulfillment or flourishing from the pursuit of meaning & virtue 4. Chaironic The feeling of being blessed or favoured by God www. fb. com/Meaningful. Living. Project

Creative Value

8 Simple Rules for Happiness 1. Freedom of Choice: You have the power to choose happiness and not to let anyone disturb your happiness 2. Faith & beliefs can open up many unexpected blessings 3. The right perspective can make all the difference 4. Acceptance: Enjoy who you are & what life offers 5. Values: Devote time to what really matters 6. The journey is more enjoyable than the destination 7. Contentment is the key to wealth & happiness 8. Gratitude will bring joy to you & others

Freedom of Choice

Blessings from Faith & Belief

Chaironic Happiness

Acceptance

What Really Matters • Family & friends (Relationships) • Serving God & others (Self-transcendence) • Developing your full potential (Growth) • Fulfilling your calling (Unique calling) • Pursuing meaning & virtue (Meaning and virtue) • Making this world a better place (Legacy) • …

Life is a journey, not a destination. A worthy life is a journey of adventure, discovery, & service to others. Paul T. P. Wong

Contentment

Gratitude