Wednesday 21 November 2012

Pursuit of happiness - what formula makes us happy


I came across a video on Ted.com and this slide particularly interested me during the Ted talk. The researcher outlined the formula for happiness and I thought I would share it.

As we already knew it isn't about money and financial reward!

It seems the greatest level of happiness is achieved when your skills are highest and challenge is highest and you find yourself in the "flow".

But unfortunately, according to the researcher giving the talk, the majority of people find themselves in the apathy section, low skills and low challenge in the bottom left hand corner.

On the other hand when people do find themselves in the "flow" they become so ecstatic and they are so passionate about that thing they are doing, they forget time, hunger and even pain. Their focus shuts out all other senses and feelings. It seems then that "flow" maybe it is not a place you want to be 100% of the time, down time is needed.

The "flow" is also what top professional sporters talk about when they are performing at their best. Being in the flow is a place you need to be to perform to your highest level. According to athletes it gives them the feeling of floating - that despite the challenge that is thrown at them, their skill level is so high that they will over come any of these challenges.

This formula has helped me figure out what makes me tick and what direction I should take at times, I hope you find it useful too.








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