5 myths of happiness that aren't actually true

Turns out, there's a difference between what you believe makes you happy and what actually makes you happy

Years and years of research on the science of happiness shows that there’s a big difference between what you think will make you happy and what actually makes you happy, reported The Reader's Digest.

The University of California's psychology professor Sonja Lyubomirsky, PhD, shared the different myths of happiness that people have convinced themselves are true in her book titled, The Myths of Happiness.

1. Your 'dream job' will make you happier at work

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People adapt to all new experiences, and so any joy from a new work environment will likely fade with time. If you’ve gained responsibility, your expectations and aspirations will increase too, which can detract from happiness.

2. The right marriage will provide endless happiness

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The average person gets a boost in happiness when he or she gets married, but this only lasts for about two years. After that, the former newlywed reverts back to his or her happiness level before the engagement.

3. A bigger house will boost your happiness

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If that mega-square foot home means you have to take out a barely affordable mortgage, it may not give as much pleasure as you’d hope. Research shows that eliminating negative experiences (like, worry associated with debt) makes you three to five times more happy than creating a positive experience (like, splurging on something).

4. Once you hit a certain age, your best years are behind you

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Although most people believe that happiness declines with age, Lyubomirsky says that this couldn’t be farther from the truth. Three recent studies showed that the peak of positive emotional experience occurred at age 64, 65, and 79.

5. Every day with your kids should be filled with happiness

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The push to spend more time, and more quality time, with our children has led to chronic levels of anxiety and burnout. Research actually shows that there’s a difference between daily levels of happiness and the 10,000-foot view of the joy of having a family.

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