The Happiness Curve: Insights from a Leadership Session
In a recent session on happiness, led by one of the top female executives in our organization, I gained profound insights into the concept of happiness and its journey through our lives. The session was not just an enlightening experience but also a visual treat as she explained the happiness curve with a simple yet powerful graphical representation. The graph had marked three significant phases: youth, middle age, and senior years. The graph started high on the happiness scale during childhood and adolescence. This peak represents the carefree days of youth, filled with curiosity, dreams, and minimal responsibilities. As the speaker pointed out, the lack of stress and the abundance of new experiences make this period particularly joyful. As we moved into middle age, the graph showed a notable dip. This phase is often characterized by increased responsibilities, both personally and professionally. Careers reach their most demanding stages, families grow, and financial pressures mount.