Is Happiness a Choice?
"Most people are about as happy as they make up their minds to be." – Abraham Lincoln
This famous quote attributed to Abraham Lincoln raises an interesting question: Is happiness truly a choice? On the surface, it might seem like a simple “yes” or “no” answer. However, the relationship between mindset and happiness runs deeper than we might think.
The Power of Mindset
At the heart of these words is the idea that our mindset shapes our emotional state. Modern research supports this, showing that how we think about our circumstances often determines how happy we feel. While we can't control everything that happens in life, we can control how we respond to it. This means choosing a positive outlook—even in difficult situations—can significantly impact our happiness.
In fact, studies show that practicing gratitude, optimism, and self-compassion can boost our mood and sense of well-being. When we consciously focus on the good in our lives, no matter how small, we train our minds to look for positivity. This can lead to a more resilient and happier mindset over time.
A Surprising Fact: We All Have a Happiness "Set Point"
Did you know that psychologists have found we all have a “happiness set point”? This is a baseline level of happiness that tends to stay relatively constant throughout our lives, regardless of life’s ups and downs. Surprisingly, about 50% of our happiness is determined by genetics, while 10% is influenced by our circumstances, and the remaining 40% is within our control through our mindset and behaviors.
So, while genetics and life situations play a role, we still have significant power to influence our happiness.
Choosing Happiness in Everyday Life
If happiness is partly a choice, how can we make more room for it in our lives? Simple practices like taking time for gratitude, engaging in activities that bring joy, and surrounding ourselves with positive people can go a long way. And while it’s normal to have bad days, we can always reset our mindset and start fresh.
Ultimately, happiness isn't about being cheerful all the time—it’s about making small, intentional choices that help us find contentment and peace, even when life is challenging.
What choices will you make today to boost your happiness?
Happiness Posts is published by Darin M. Klemchuk founder of Klemchuk PLLC, an intellectual property law firm located in Dallas, Texas and co-founder of Engage Workspace for Lawyers, a coworking space for lawyers. He also publishes the Ideate (law) and Elevate (law firm culture) blogs. You can find more information about his law practice at his firm bio and also at his BioSite.
