21 Sep Why Success Doesn’t Make You Happier (But These Daily Choices Can)
Have you ever noticed that after something exciting happens, a promotion/new job, a new relationship or buying something you have wanted for ages, the boost in happiness eventually fades and you end up feeling much the same as before?
That is because of something called the Hedonic Setpoint, a baseline level for happiness which we tend to return to after positive or negative events in our lives. The level of that baseline is different for each person. Big changes in our lives can nudge this setpoint up or down for a while, but over time, it often drifts back to our own “normal”.
For example, imagine landing your dream job. At first, you feel thrilled, grateful, even unstoppable. After a few months however, the novelty wears off. You notice the long commute, the tricky colleague or the stress of deadlines. Soon enough, your happiness returns to the level it was before. Sound familiar?
This isn’t all bad news. In fact, it’s really helpful at times. Even after setbacks like breakups, job losses or other challenges, we usually find our way back to our baseline level of happiness. It’s a sign of human resilience. But it can also feel frustrating when we chase something, thinking it will make us happy, only to discover that, after a while, nothing much has changed.
So, what actually influences our happiness baseline?
Genetics – As shared in my previous blog 40 to 50 percent of our happiness level is influenced by our genes, which is why each of us have different natural tendencies towards happiness.
Life Circumstances Money, health, relationships and location all matter, but surprisingly, they do not account for as much as we might think.
Daily Habits and Mindset This is where we have the most power. Practices like gratitude, moving our bodies, connecting with people who really see us and living in alignment with what’s important to us can all help shift our setpoint.
The good news is our happiness setpoint is not fixed. With intentional daily choices, we can gradually raise it and feel more fulfilled.
The key is to focus less on quick fixes like the next achievement or purchase and more on small, sustainable habits that actually train our brains towards a higher baseline. Journaling, walking, mindful connection with others and slowing down when life is hectic may seem simple, but these daily actions add up to real change over time.
So, the next time you notice your happiness slipping back, don’t panic. It does not mean you are failing. It just means you are human. And it also means you have the power to consciously raise your baseline and create a life that feels lighter, brighter, and more aligned with you.