Research in Positive Psychology, which studies Happiness, has found that too much focus on feeling happy can backfire and actually leave you feeling less happy. They found that the things that really matter in life aren’t ones that lead to short bursts of pleasure like eating a good meal or winning in sports.
Eudaimonia- the Greek word associated with happiness- is said to come from achieving one’s potential. It comes from having purpose and feeling part of a community, rather than wealth and possessions. The Wall Street Journal discusses whether Happiness is Overrated in an article by Shirley Wang.