Why do some people always seem happy, and others not? Is it 
really a question of life circumstances? Are they happy because 
their life is better, because they have more luck, and they 
just don't have as many worries and upsets?

Or is it more a question of disposition, their nature, and 
character? Could it be that some people are genetically wired 
to be happy no matter what? 

People who are highly satisfied with their lives are less 
likely to have psychological or social problems, less likely to 
get sick or be stressed out, and more likely to do well at work. 


Hard-wired for Happiness?

Current research reveals that mood and temperament have a large 
genetic component. In a 1996 study, University of Minnesota 
psychologists David Lykken and Auke Tellegen surveyed 732 pairs 
of identical twins and found them closely matched for adult 
happiness, regardless of whether they'd grown up together or 
apart. Such findings suggest that while we all experience ups 
and downs, our moods revolve around the emotional baselines or 
"set points" we're born with. 

But even if we have an inherited range of happiness, are there 
some tools that we can learn in order to become happier and 
more satisfied with life?

Scientists have been studying what makes people happy for 
several decades now, however, the internet has made possible 
even more studies, as people all over the world can access 
and complete surveys. Many surveys can be found for free at 
http://www.authentichappiness.org. 

Positive psychology researchers Dr. Nansook Park, Dr. Christopher 
Peterson and Dr. Martin Seligman have been studying 24 character 
strengths in depth, and are looking at the role of individual 
strengths in creating subjective feelings of happiness.


Five Key Strengths

A study with more than 4000 participants revealed that five key 
strengths-gratitude, optimism, zest, curiosity, and the ability 
to love and be loved- are more closely and consistently related 
to life satisfaction than the other strengths. 

A very compelling reason to give special attention to these 
five key strengths is that each strength on the list is, by 
definition, mutable and can be learned. We can all become more 
grateful, optimistic, zestful, curious, and loving if we are 
willing to make a concerted effort to do so.


Coaching for Happiness

Online happiness surveys can create self-awareness and enhance 
your ability to experience more happiness and life satisfaction. 
Even more effective is using these tools with a professional 
coach. Your coach can help you to develop gratitude, and 
awareness of strengths. With your coach, you can discover 
ways to effectively use your strengths in new ways.

These three keys are essential tools in achieving lasting 
happiness, and ultimately greater health and life success.