Happiness Psychology - Part 6: Happiness = Satisfaction + Meaning + Enjoyment

Sometimes we see people who seem to have it all—money, wealth, relationships, family, career—yet they still want more. They chase after satisfaction (whether physical or spiritual) somewhere out there. They dive into thrills, try new things, and experiment with substances. The satisfaction they feel is fleeting, soon disappearing.

Satisfaction

Satisfaction = What you have / What you want

It doesn't matter what you already possess. If you constantly desire everything, you'll find it difficult to satisfy yourself. The larger the denominator (what you want), the less fulfilling your possessions will be.

"Satisfaction comes not from having what you want but from wanting what you have."

Meaning

If you eat the same dish repeatedly, you'll eventually tire of it. Similarly, a smooth, routine life can make you lose appreciation for the value of what you have. The hardships, pain, and challenges you face offer immense life lessons and meaning. We need these difficult experiences to discover the true meaning of life and genuine happiness.

"Happiness requires a certain amount of unhappiness."

Enjoyment

Enjoyment here refers to pleasure combined with values and knowledge. For example, you may feel joy when drinking a fine wine, but enjoyment comes when you can detect the wine's subtle differences and understand why it's good.

Music can bring joy, but true enjoyment arises when you learn about the intricacies of music or play an instrument.

Enjoyment is a higher form of joy.