Happiness: Our Introduction

The question of happiness, what it is, and indeed if we humans are at all able to achieve it, is as old as humanity, and a question that you will ask yourself, hopefully on a regular basis. Even from a psychotherapy point of view, some would argue that happiness is a trap, and the mere attempt of trying to reach it makes it unachievable, almost like chasing a rainbow or aiming for the horizon. We argue, however, that it is a path worth pursuing, and this pursuit will take you “there”. This project is the result of our personal and professional exploration of different ways of getting there. Some of these ways you would have already know about, while others may be new to you.

Scientific research in many fields of study, from health sciences to economics, suggests that simply by experiencing happiness, even for a short period of time, you can expect significant positive results in your life, from an increase in specific health-related outcomes, to a more positive engagement with your life and relationships, as well as material results, such as an increase in your wealth and work prospects . So, what is there to lose?

On this path to finding your own state of flourishing, in this project we will invite you to consider a number of steps, which we are covering in separate “Units”, and will be unlocking week by week.

First, we are making a case for happiness. The first and biggest obstacle that people find in their way to flourishing are their own self-defeating beliefs. We are all blind to a part of our experience, and it is quite possible that you’ve not yet experienced how rewarding and fulfilling life can be.

Secondly, we will help you to consider how to measure your progress, by establishing a baseline so that you have a clear picture of your starting point. This baseline will serve as a platform and will help you move forward, especially when you feel that you’re “not quite there yet”. Looking at your starting point will help you be more aware of your achievements as they come. Since changes are likely to be small steps in the right direction, it’s important to know where you are and where you want to go, so that you can go even further in your path to happiness.

Thirdly, we will invite you to consider “You”, as you have perhaps never done before, to embrace what is already there and gain clarity, not only about what you want to be different, but also why. For this step, we will be combining traditional psychological knowledge with more contemporary approaches, such as positive psychology. This step will help you to consider “values” as the overarching motivation in your life. Values help us to clarify the destination, and illuminate the path we’re walking along.

The later sections cover the hot-cross bun of the present moment, using cognitive and behavioural therapy as our overarching psychological perspective - the four variables that interact in your everyday experience, variables which can rule your life or can be your blueprint to tweak, change and improve as you make your day-to-day the place where dreams are made.

To conclude, in week five we bring it all together to the present moment.

We trust that you will enjoy this journey with us. We want to share what we have learned, and in return, learn from your experience. Please navigate the contents at your own pace, and add to the discussion

Unit one: Happiness and where to find it, will unlock on Friday 15 of January at 1pm GMT (UK Time)

Thank you for joining us

Mabel, Edu and Tonka