In this first episode of Redefining Happiness, we’re laying the foundation by breaking down the three key types of happiness—pleasure, purpose, and life satisfaction—and explain why balancing all three creates resilience and lasting well-being.

When we think about happiness, we often picture excitement, joy, and feeling good. But is that all there is to being happy? What if happiness is more complex—and more accessible—than we've been led to believe?

Perfect for anyone who's ever wondered why happiness feels elusive despite "doing everything right," this episode lays the foundation for redefining happiness on your own terms.

What You'll Learn

• The three different types of happiness and why you need all of them
• How different happiness experiences activate different parts of your brain
• Why meaningful pursuits can bring fulfillment even when they're challenging
• How to assess which happiness building blocks might need attention in your life
• A simple 5-minute daily practice to start recognizing more happiness in your life

Episode Highlights

The Three Types of Happiness

Hedonic Happiness (Feel-Good Happiness) The joy, pleasure, and excitement we typically associate with happiness. While energizing and valuable, its effects tend to be short-lived.

Eudaimonic Happiness (Meaningful Happiness) The deep fulfillment that comes from pursuing meaningful activities and purpose-driven goals. As Dr. Martin Seligman's research shows, this type is crucial for long-term well-being.

Life Satisfaction (Big-Picture Happiness) How you feel about your life when you step back and look at it as a whole. This is heavily influenced by perspective and gratitude.

The Science Behind Balanced Happiness

Different types of happiness activate different parts of the brain:

• Pleasure-based happiness triggers the brain's reward system with a quick boost of feel-good chemicals
• Purpose-driven happiness engages areas linked to long-term fulfillment and growth

Research shows people who balance all three types of happiness tend to be happier and more resilient in the long run.

This Week's Happiness Challenge

Happiness Mapping Challenge

Each evening, take five minutes to:

1. Note your overall happiness for the day (scale 1-5)
2. Record three happy moments from your day
3. Identify which type of happiness each represents

This simple practice helps you recognize patterns in your happiness and identify which areas might need more attention for a more balanced, fulfilling life.

Get the Happiness Mapping Worksheet inside the

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Listen now and start redefining happiness in a way that works for you!