New research shows that what makes people happy varies widely. For some, it’s income or relationships; for others, mindset and personal growth matter more. The key to wellbeing is finding what works best for you.
Happiness Is Unique: Why There’s No One-Size-Fits-All Formula for Wellbeing
What’s the secret to happiness? Is it a great job, strong relationships, good health, or simply a positive outlook? According to a new international study, the answer is different for everyone — and that’s exactly why wellbeing strategies need to be personal.
What Did the Research Find?
A team of psychologists analysed data from over 40,000 people across Germany, the UK, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and Australia, following participants for up to 30 years. They looked at how people rated their overall life satisfaction and satisfaction in key areas like health, income, housing, work, and relationships.
The big takeaway? There’s no single path to happiness. For some, happiness is closely tied to external factors like income or relationships (“bottom-up”). For others, it’s more about internal qualities — mindset, resilience, or a sense of purpose (“top-down”). Many people experience a mix of both, and for some, the usual factors don’t seem to predict happiness at all.
Why Does This Matter?
Most wellbeing policies and advice focus on the average person — improving income, job quality, or health in the hope that everyone will benefit. But this research shows that happiness is far more individual. What works for one person might not work for another.
For example, boosting income may improve happiness for people whose wellbeing is linked to financial security, but it might not make much difference for those who find happiness in personal growth or meaningful relationships.
The Interplay Between Life Circumstances and Mindset
The study also found that happiness is often shaped by the interaction between our circumstances and our mindset. Sometimes, life events or changes in health, work, or relationships have a big impact. Other times, personal attitudes, resilience, and how we interpret events play a stronger role.
And for a significant number of people, neither external circumstances nor internal attitudes alone explain their happiness. This suggests that other factors — like unique life experiences or broader social and cultural influences — may also be at play.
What Does This Mean for Wellbeing?
The key lesson is that there’s no universal recipe for happiness. Effective wellbeing strategies — whether in public policy, workplaces, or personal life — should be flexible and tailored to individual needs.
For individuals: Take time to reflect on what truly matters to you. Is your happiness shaped more by your environment, your mindset, or a bit of both? Focus your energy on the areas that have the biggest impact for you.
For employers and policymakers: Recognise that people’s needs and drivers of happiness are different. Offer a range of wellbeing options and support, from financial and social benefits to opportunities for personal development and mental health resources.
The Bottom Line
Happiness is as unique as you are. Whether it comes from your relationships, your achievements, your outlook, or something else entirely, the best approach is one that fits you. There’s no one-size-fits-all formula — so don’t be afraid to find your own path to wellbeing.