The Quest for Happiness: Unraveling the Depths of Well-Being

There are a few frameworks for personal well-being. Happiness often paints pictures of bright skies, laughter echoing among friends, and moments brimming with contentment. However, the path to attaining true happiness can be as intricate as a winding labyrinth, marked by personal hurdles and achievements. In their quest to map out the contours of a rewarding life, psychologists have introduced several models. Having previously explored the nuances of the PERMA Model, we now explore a renowned framework: the Core Elements of Well-Being from the World Happiness Report.

A Journey Through the Landscape of Joy (one of the frameworks for personal well-being)

The blueprint to happiness is far from uniform; it is a deeply personal voyage. Various theoretical models offer distinct lenses through which to view the journey to a life of fulfillment. For instance, Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs emphasizes the importance of fulfilling essential survival and security needs before ascending to achieve higher desires like love and a sense of belonging. In contrast, Ed Diener’s Subjective Well-Being Theory suggests that happiness is a blend of positive emotions and a satisfying life.

Insights from The World Happiness Report: Broadening Our Understanding of Well-Being

The World Happiness Report, a publication from the Sustainable Development Solutions Network, casts a wide net over the elements that contribute to both national and individual happiness. It highlights six pivotal factors:

• Financial Well-being: Financial stability and resources are crucial in mitigating stress and creating opportunities for personal development and relationship building.
• Physical Health: A cornerstone for an active and engaging life, robust health enables individuals to pursue their ambitions, explore new territories, and enjoy the mundanities of daily life without physical restrictions.
• Emotional and Social Support: Meaningful connections with family, friends, and partners offer emotional sanctuary and social integration, essential components for a holistic sense of happiness.
• Self-Determination: The ability to make one’s own choices and shape one’s journey instills a powerful sense of freedom and fulfillment, encouraging individuals to pursue their interests and live according to their personal values.
• Confidence in Community: Trust in the people and structures that make up our society provides a secure backdrop for fostering significant relationships and participating actively in the community.
• Contributions to Society: Participation in communal activities and acts of kindness reinforces a sense of purpose, belonging, and positive impact on society, deepening our connection with the world at large.

A Layered View of Happiness 

This approach reveals the multifaceted nature of happiness, showing that it is influenced by an amalgamation of personal experiences, emotions, and the broader socioeconomic environment.

Designing Your Own Happiness Map — Framework for Personal Well-Being

Delving into these frameworks opens up pathways to understanding happiness. While the PERMA Model underscores the cultivation of positive emotions, engagement, significant relationships, meaning, and accomplishments, the World Happiness Report illuminates the essential roles of health, economic security, social connections, autonomy, trust in society, and philanthropy. This approach is getting closer to the one I am showing you here at The Women’s Inner Circle.

Reflecting on these insights and considering your own values and life situation, you can craft a personalized strategy toward achieving a deeper and more individualized form of well-being, truly reflective of your unique identity.

Be sure to read the first article for personal frameworks for well-being here;  and look at the Happiness Planner I developed for you.