Happiness (HBR Emotional Intelligence Series)

Psychology], “Emodiversity and the Emotional Ecosystem,” by Harvard [researcher Jordi] Quoidbach, found that experiencing a wide range of emotions—both positive and negative—was linked to positive mental and physical well-being.

Happy people are better workers. Those who are engaged with their jobs and colleagues work harder—and smarter.

There was a repeated theme throughout all the literature—gratitude. It would weave in and out of the science, the true stories, and the drivers for success. Jim responded by starting a gratitude journal of his own.

Positive emotion: Peace, gratitude, satisfaction, pleasure, inspiration, hope, curiosity, and love fall into this category. Engagement: Losing ourselves in a task or project provides us with a sense of “disappeared time” because we are so highly engaged. Relationships: People who have meaningful, positive relationships with others are happier than

In other words, we’re not happy when we’re chasing happiness. We’re happiest when we’re not thinking about it, when we’re enjoying the present moment because we’re lost in a meaningful project, working toward a higher goal, or helping someone who needs us.