I do think that our personality has an effect on our happiness level. Life is pretty much a series of interactions that we have, and a positive outlook can make those interactions better. No matter why it is that someone chooses to look at the glass half full, they can always choose to be more optimistic. After all, if you’re having trouble finding the bright side, try polishing the dull side!

@ The Gooroo

Thanks for stopping by. I really like the treadmill metaphor too, which is why I used it. I didn’t come up with it though. It’s been in use for a while now.

@ Roman

Not entirely true. A lot of people believe that money will bring them happiness. I have family members that believe it, and it mostly comes from a position of envy, like you said. As for commercials, I have mostly been desensitized to them, since I work at a television station. My wife mutes the TV during commercials… lol.

@ Louis

Thanks for coming by. I agree that happiness is the ultimate. That’s why I roll my eyes when people think that it’s hidden in the pursuit of money.

Happiness is the ultimate of life.

Everything else should be the by-products of it.
.-= Louis´s last blog ..Choosing Your Online Platform – Mini Websites =-.

I have been able to increase my happiness simply by trying avoiding commercials as much as possible. I do this mostly by avoiding TV and magazines. By being unaware of what is out there – what I do not have (be it a new Ford or pulsating pictorials), my happiness has drastically increased.
.-= Roman´s last blog ..How Noise Prevents Your Blog From Being Better =-.

I really like the treadmill metaphor — completely makes sense. Loving the blog by the way. I’ll be back soon!
.-= The Gooroo @ Finance Advisory Stop´s last blog ..How To Overcome Loneliness If You Work From Home =-.

A lot to be commented on.

This part stood out, “a person’s happiness level usually stays pretty constant throughout life.” Could it be n our personality?

I do like the part too about lowering your expectations. Just go with the flow and things will be fine. Great advice for any time.
.-= Jannie Funster´s last blog ..Yep, Problogger Darren Rowse And Me – We’re Like This. Like This, I Tell Ya. =-.

That’s very true. The memories of a great experience will last a lifetime. We’ve all had a vacation that went very well or even perfect, and we’ll remember that vacation for the rest of our lives. There’s nothing stopping us from creating memories like that more than once a year!

@ The Gooroo

Usually, people from a more humble background find more happiness with money, however there are also cases of people that have never had money for a reason… meaning that they tend to spend it all, and this goes back to the treadmill metaphor. When the treadmill speeds up, they speed up along side, meaning that when they get more money, they end up spending all of that too. Whereas someone who has had money longer knows not to spend all of it.

I definitely think that there’s something wrong with the statistics for how many people are under the poverty line and how many people have way more than they need. However, I’m of the opinion that we should focus more on making our lives more fulfilled instead of chasing after dollar signs.

Thanks for coming by!

@ fas

That’s a great way to say it all in one little sentence. Good input!

This is a really neat way to look at things. I never thought about the fact that humans usually do adapt — thus, more money, means a different environment and attitude eventually.

On the other hand, I’ve always had this philosphy that those who are born into wealth are NOT happy. Although, if you are born into a poor, or mediocre family, and acquire wealth later on life, you will be much happier. Why? Simply because you know what it feels like to be poor or normal, and won’t abuse your power now.

I made a post about money and happiness about a week ago. Feel free to have a look

http://financeadvisorystop.com/does-money-bring-happiness/
.-= The Gooroo @ Finance Advisory Stop´s last blog ..Moving – For The Better Or Worse? =-.