The definition of happiness most agreed upon by neuroscientists, psychiatrists, economists, positive psychologists and Buddhist Monks is not of happiness as the state of bursting with glee but of happiness as a sense of well being, contentment, the feeling of living a meaningful life, of utilizing one’s gifts, of living with thought and with purpose.
Researchers like David Lykken and Sonjya Lyubomirsky have informed us that happiness is a "many factored thing." From their research with genetic twins they report that we each have a happiness set point that determines 50% of our happiness no matter what else is going on in our lives.
But there is more to the story: 10% of our happiness is considered to be a function of life circumstances, something that we may not be able to control but for which we often adapt or find ways of coping. The final 40% of our happiness is directly in our hands; it is a result of our intentional activity. So according to these researchers, 60% of what determines our happiness is not up to us. If that 60% doesn't work out for us, then it seems we are left for a tragic pursuit. So Lykken and Lyubomirsky give us advice on how to still find happiness despite this 60%.
Connection is a key value in finding happiness. Making connections with people allows you to draw closer. Connection is an important ingredient in our sense of happiness is our capacity to relate to others and the connections we share.
Engagement is very important. Engagement can be a variety of things whether it be commitment to friends and family, passionately pursuing a degree in a subject that interests you, or the determination to run a marathon. But, the key to engagement is to use your own personal strengths, passions, talents and interests to lead the way. Jay Gatsby, did not use engagement. He kept to himself and the only thing he was committed, passionate or determined about what getting rich and winning Daisy. So he was left to the tragic pursuit of the 60% and then he just wasted that other 40% that he could have used to find his own happiness.