我們能否為自己創造幸福？

按柳波莫斯基(Lyubomirsky)的研究所得，每個人快樂水準的差異有50%是由基因所決定。換句話說，的確有些人天生便要比別人快樂些；即基因有50%的影響力，左右我們的快樂。 但是有一點或許頗令人感到意外的，就是我們快樂程度的差異只有10%受生活環境或狀況所影響(撇除極端情況)。原來財富、健康、美貌等外在因素對快樂只有短期、有限的影響。而餘下的40%，便是我們可以控制的自主快樂空間，取決於我們的思想和行為。亦即是說，我們可以改變自己的想法和行為來提升自己的快樂！

從系統化的觀察、比較所得，最快樂的人有以下的思想行為，給我們借鏡:

• 他們花很多時間陪同家人、朋友，培養並享受這些人際關係。
• 他們很自然地對所擁有的一切表示感恩。
• 他們常是第一個幫助夥伴和陌生人的人。
• 他們對未來抱持樂觀。
• 他們享受生活樂趣，努力活在當下。
• 他們養成每星期(甚至每天)運動的習慣。
• 他們堅守人生目標和抱負。
• 最快樂的人也會有壓力、危機，以至不幸，其間亦會有沮喪的時刻，但卻每每展示出自信和勇氣去面對挑戰。

Lyubomirsky, Sonja (2007). The How of Happiness. (中譯: 《這一生的幸福計劃》，臺北市: 久石文化，2014: 39-43)

Patterns of the Happiest People

Below is a sample of my observations, as well as those of other researchers, of the thinking and behavior patterns of the happiest participants in our studies:

• They devote a great amount of time to their family and friends, nurturing and enjoying those relationships.
• They are comfortable expressing gratitude for all they have.
• They are often the first to offer helping hands to coworkers and passersby.
• They practice optimism when imagining their futures.
• They savor life’s pleasures and try to live in the present moment.
• They make physical exercises a weekly and even daily habit.
• They are deeply committed to lifelong goals and ambitions.
• Last but not least, the happiest people do have their share of stresses, crises, and even tragedies. They may become just as distressed and emotional in such circumstances as you or I, but their secret weapon is the poise and strength they show in coping in the face of challenge.

 Sonja Lyubomirsky, “The How of Happiness: a scientific approach to getting the life you want,” (New York: The Penguine Press, 2008), p.22-23