Do Fame, Wealth & Beauty Bring Happiness?

Pulse

oi-Staff

By Staff

Monday, May 18, 2009, 13:51

Do you think achieving loads of money, good looks and others' admiration would make you happy? Well, then think again! Such achievements can actually make a person less happy.

People understand that it's important to pursue goals in their lives and they believe that attaining these goals will have positive consequences. However money, good looks and others' admiration are not true for all goals. Even though our culture puts a strong emphasis on attaining wealth and fame, pursuing these goals does not contribute to having a satisfying life.

Growing, as an individual, having loving relationships, and contributing to the community are what make a person happy in the true sense. The things that make your life happy are growing as an individual, having loving relationships, and contributing to your community. People should focus on key areas, including satisfaction with life, self-esteem, anxiety, physical signs of stress, and the experience of positive and negative emotions.

People should value having "deep, enduring relationships" and helping "others improve their lives" (intrinsic goals) versus being "a wealthy person" and achieving "the look I've been after" (extrinsic goals). Individuals who value personal growth, close relationships, community involvement, and physical health are more satisfied as they meet success in those areas. They have a deeper sense of well-being, more positive feelings toward themselves, richer connections with others, and fewer physical signs of stress.