The Science of Happiness — Fortifying Resilience, The Key to Sustained Happiness
Introduction
In the quest for sustained happiness, resilience emerges as a critical factor.
This article delves into the concept of resilience — the ability to recover from setbacks, adapt to change, and keep going in the face of adversity.
We explore why low resilience can lead to prolonged unhappiness and how enhancing resilience is instrumental in the journey towards a happier life.
Resilience is often misunderstood as an innate quality, something one either has or doesn’t have. However, contemporary research in psychology paints a different picture.
Learn, Cultivate, Develop
Dr. Angela Duckworth’s work on grit and perseverance highlights resilience as a quality that can be cultivated and developed. Similarly, Dr. Martin Seligman, often referred to as the father of Positive Psychology, emphasizes resilience as a skill that can be learned, leading to greater life satisfaction and well-being.
The lack of resilience can leave individuals vulnerable to the vicissitudes of life. Without coping with and recovering from life’s challenges, people can find themselves trapped in a cycle of stress, disappointment, and unhappiness.
Managing Responses to Adversity
Dr. Karen Reivich and Dr. Andrew Shatté, in their book “The Resilience Factor,” discuss how unmanaged responses to adversity can lead to a range of emotional difficulties, including anxiety and depression.
Reflecting on and actively working to improve resilience involves more than just enduring hardships; it’s about learning from experiences, maintaining a positive outlook, and developing coping strategies.
The Growth Mindset
This proactive approach to resilience is echoed in the work of Dr. Carol Dweck on the growth mindset, which posits that individuals can grow and strengthen their abilities, including resilience, through dedication and hard work.
Positive Relationships
Moreover, resilience is not a solitary endeavour. The role of social support in building resilience is well-documented. Dr. Barbara Fredrickson’s broaden-and-build theory of positive emotions underscores how positive relationships can enhance a person’s resilience, leading to a richer, more fulfilling life.
In this next article, we will explore various dimensions of resilience, examining how it impacts our happiness and the ways in which we can strengthen this vital skill.
From cultivating optimism and problem-solving skills to setting realistic goals, taking care of physical health, and practising mindfulness, we will delve into strategies to fortify our resilience.
Understanding the science behind resilience and integrating these strategies into our lives can enhance our ability to navigate life’s challenges.
This helps reduce unhappiness and paves the way for a more robust, joyful, and resilient life. Building resilience is not just about bouncing back from adversity but also about moving forward with a renewed sense of strength and purpose.
You can find more articles on the science of happiness in the following Medium list:
