What Really Makes People Happy?

T here are more questions about what makes people happy than there are articles on the subject, and there are even fewer articles that I like or agree with - until now.

While conducting research, I came across an older article by Marilyn Elias, of USA TODAY, which concisely and articulately documents what really makes people happy.

In it, she reports the happiest people surround themselves with family and friends, don't care about keeping up with the Joneses next door, lose themselves in daily activities and, most important, forgive easily.

Other findings by noted psychologists including Martin Seligman, author of the book, Authentic Happiness, about what really makes people happy include:

1.) The happiest people spend the least time alone
2.) They pursue personal growth and intimacy

3.) They judge themselves by their own yardsticks, never against what others do or have
4.) They have a life of many activities "in flow"
5.) They use their signature strengths

Read the complete article.