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Gaining competency keeps us happy
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A study published in the Journal of Happiness Studies, October 29, 2009, shows that gaining competency by learning new skills can lead to long term happiness. Learning something new might make us frustrated in the moment, but ultimately leads to greater day to day happiness. The study also showed that feeling connected to others is an important psychological need that can lead to self satisfaction and well-being.
According to Ryan Howell, assistant professor of psychology at San Francisco State University, "No pain, no gain is the rule when it comes to gaining happiness from increasing our competence at something. People often give up their goals because they are stressful, but we found that there is benefit at the end of the day from learning to do something well. And what's striking is that you don't have to reach your goal to see the benefits to your happiness and well-being."
Temporary stress from learning new skills at work, home or at play that increase competency were reported as making study participants happy and satisfied when they looked back, despite the hourly stress that might have occurred.
The current study focused on the psychological needs of individuals needed for growth and development, happiness and well-being, in addition to the need for competency and connectedness with others. The need for autonomy and self-direction was also explored, as it affects happiness throughout the day.
Individuals for the study were asked to either report their day as a whole, or hour by hour. Competency and connectedness to others was found to increase happiness hourly and daily. The greatest amount of happiness was associated with autonomy – choosing one’s own interests and goals, versus doing what is expected was associated with increased momentary happiness.
“Our results suggest that you can decrease the momentary stress associated with improving your skill or ability by ensuring you are also meeting the need for autonomy and connectedness, for example performing the activity alongside other people or making sure it is something you have chosen to do and is true to who you are," Howell said.
The findings could be useful in the workplace. The authors suggest that happy individuals may have already learned how to gain satisfaction from life through choosing daily activities that increase competency, and promote connectedness to others - two important psychological needs that can make us happy.
SF State News
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