Pursuit of Happiness Analysis Essay

Pursuit of Happiness Analysis Essay

The phrase “the pursuit of happiness” is very popular and has risen to be the title of various songs, novels, films, and TV programs. The phrase is also found in key speeches in history, for example, the American Declaration of Independence. Even though the concept of happiness is viewed differently, in the 21^st century, it is often regarded as a central aspect of human life. Everyone seeks to achieve happiness at all costs in the current world. People tend to have different circumstances that make them happy depending on their personalities, beliefs, and preferences. Some people achieve happiness once they make an educational achievement, spend time with their family or even win in a football tournament. Most of these circumstances are short-lived, and hence the happiness brought by them does not last long.  The ideal happiness is not achieved from occasional glimpses but through setting elusive goals to be happy despite living under unfavorable circumstances.   While many people keep on asking what the secret to happiness could be, the solution is simpler than anyone has ever imagined. Empirically, the ability to be happy is to a great extent determined by genes (Tkach 221). Naturally, some people tend to be happier compared to others. However, a great percentage of a person’s happiness is determined by their daily choices. A study conducted by the Harvard Study of Adult Development revealed that the supposition that one cannot be happier is misguided (Harvard Health Publishing). Every person knows what contributes to their happiness and general well-being.  There are certain traits that increase the level of happiness among individuals which if embraced will lead to happier lives until old age.
Firstly, letting go of things that make one unhappier is central in ensuring that one leads a happy life until old age (Kesebir 1). People need to learn to put more focus on what is important to them rather than investing more concentration on minute issues that would hurt them in the long run. Practically, the aged appear to be happier than young adults. The older adults are believed to be better in ignoring things that do not matter much compared to young adults. The teenagers, particularly, get stuck in toxic relationships and their past failures without recognizing that paying attention to the past is just a waste of time. Secondly, staying connected to friends and family increases an individual’s happiness (Harvard Health Publishing). Loneliness is known not only to cause great health risks but also to make one vulnerable to drug abuse. Essentially, there is a big connection between strong bonds and happiness. Connections are believed to give rise to automatic mood boosters such as emotional and mental stimulation. Thirdly, people should purpose to create more time and not to buy material goods (Harvard Health Publishing). Hypothetically, money does not lead to more happiness but time does. How one spends their time really affects their happiness and general well-being.Conclusively, being happy is a personal choice that should not be influenced by external factors. Everyone should take charge of their own happiness by choosing to do what boosts their happiness. One should observe all the measures that have been proved to increase happiness such as easily letting go, establishing close personal relationships with family and friends and spending on time rather than buying material possessions. Happiness to a great extent hinges on personal choices and the ability to adopt a favorable coping style in one’s environment.