06 Jun Happiness Now or Later? The Impact of Timing on Well-being
They say timing is everything.
And timing actually is important when it comes to happiness.
Do we take what will make us happy now? Or work hard for or wait for that which might make us happy, or happier, later?
Delayed versus instant gratification. Happiness now or later?
Sound interesting? If so, read on …
via Neuroscience News
Summary: A new study explores how people’s preferences for immediate or delayed happiness can shape their behavior and overall well-being. It discusses two differing views on happiness: one where happiness is an accumulating resource, often ‘delayed’ for the sake of long-term goals, and another where happiness is fleeting and must be experienced in the present moment.
While delaying happiness can lead to feelings of anticipated happiness and pride, it can also induce guilt and anxiety. On the contrary, favoring immediate happiness leads to more enjoyment and positive emotions.
Key Facts:
- People who view happiness as cumulative often delay it for the achievement of long-term goals, while those who see it as fleeting favor immediate gratification.
- Delaying happiness for long-term goals can lead to anticipated happiness and pride but can also cause feelings of guilt, anxiety, and regret.
- Living in the moment can contribute to more positive emotions and overall well-being, promoting engagement in enjoyable activities.
Source: University at Buffalo
Is happiness something to work hard towards and accumulate over time or is it something transient and fleeting that should be savored in the moment?
Past research has examined who, when and why some people favor feeling happy now versus later, but those studies don’t address how this preference for immediate versus delayed happiness relates to behavior and well-being.
Now, a University at Buffalo psychologist is filling that knowledge gap with a study that approaches happiness from a novel research angle.
The findings, published in the journal Emotion, suggest that people’s beliefs about happiness matter in shaping their everyday goal pursuits and well-being.
“People can think of happiness as an investment, similar to how one might put money into a savings account and watch it grow over time…
… keep reading the full & original article HERE