A 2022 survey conducted by Oracle Fusion Cloud Customer Experience found that 78% of participants would be willing to pay a premium for true happiness. However, Stephanie Harrison, a researcher who has been studying the science of happiness for the past decade, believes that money and success are not the keys to happiness. She suggests that the secret to happiness lies in using who you are to help others. Harrison emphasizes the importance of discovering one’s true self, away from societal conditioning, and finding ways to share that self with others.
In her book, “New Happy,” Harrison explains how helping others can lead to increased happiness for both the giver and the receiver. She argues that the traditional values of materialism and individual success, which she refers to as “old happy,” should be replaced with a focus on collaboration, seeking help, and providing assistance to others. Research supports this idea, as a study of 122 individuals with symptoms of anxiety and depression found that those who performed acts of kindness experienced the greatest improvement in well-being.
According to Harrison, helping others fulfills a basic human need for connection and significance. By going beyond ourselves and making a positive impact on others, we can experience a sense of purpose and fulfillment. She suggests simple ways to start helping others immediately, such as sending a note of appreciation to a loved one, praising someone’s work, or reaching out to a friend who has been out of touch. Small acts of kindness can have a significant impact on both the giver and the recipient, fostering a positive cycle of happiness.
Harrison emphasizes the importance of forming connections with others and expressing gratitude in order to experience greater happiness. By engaging in acts of kindness and showing appreciation to those around us, we can cultivate a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction. Harrison’s approach to happiness, which focuses on helping others, represents a shift away from individualism and competition towards a more cooperative and compassionate mindset. By prioritizing empathy and generosity, we can create a more harmonious and positive society.
In conclusion, Stephanie Harrison’s research on happiness highlights the transformative power of helping others. By connecting with our true selves and finding ways to support those in need, we can experience a deeper sense of joy and purpose. Through simple acts of kindness and expressions of gratitude, we can cultivate a more compassionate and fulfilling life. Harrison’s insights encourage us to shift our focus away from materialism and individual success towards a more collaborative and empathetic approach to happiness. Ultimately, by reaching out to others and offering our support, we can create a more interconnected and harmonious world.
