The Happiness Pie is used to describe where our happiness comes from in comparison to the happiness of others. Sonja Lyubomirsky found 50% of our happiness is genetically set, this gives us a starting point in the game of happiness and a general predisposition. Initially when faced with the genetic component of happiness many people feel instantly hemmed in by their genes.

Fortunately, a new field of science called epigenetics gives us hope. Epigenetics indicates that although our genetic code is fixed, the way those genes are expressed is largely determined by the environmental factors within our bodies. Imagine planting the seed of a tropical tree fern in a hot, dry desert, it’s simply the wrong environment for it to grow. Genetics work in the same way.

Only 10% of our happiness is attributed to outside circumstances, which is often the things we work so hard to change, like our income, where we live, or if we get a distinction in an exam. Most people invest all their time in this area, working harder to earn more so they can be happy. In reality, it contributes very little to actual wellbeing and on average the effect is entirely gone after 12 months.

The good news is that 40% of happiness is made up of our intentional activities, including the thoughts we have and deliberate actions we take. The key word here is intentional! When we become conscious and mindful of being more positive in our thoughts and actions, our happiness and subjective wellbeing increase substantially! So, we all have the power to improve happiness at work simply by living intentionally!

If you’re ready to learn about how to boost your 40%, that’s my role. Flick me an email below and let’s talk about how you can lift your happiness today!