Special Section: Happiness

The pursuit of happiness is a right guaranteed us by the U.S. Declaration of Independence. And it turns out our forefathers were smarter than they knew, because this pleasant feeling we all want (or want to have more of) is not just the reward for professional, financial or even personal success. Sure, we feel good when we win—when we land that client or we marry the one we love. But it turns out, after decades of research on this thing so many of us find elusive, that happiness is more often a precursor to success than the result of it. Happy people live longer and are wealthier than their discontented counterparts. They’re more inclined to give back. And their children are healthier and more joyful.

So it’s important to live happy, regardless of where you are in life or what you have. And research shows you can.

In this special section of SUCCESS, we explore the science of happiness, the traits that contribute to it and the proven strategies for achieving it. We show how happiness is essential to meaningful relationships, health, longevity, professional and financial success, and, most important, to bringing about positive change in the world. We also establish that happiness is a choice—your choice. So live happy!

—Stuart Johnson, 
CEO of SUCCESS

❉ Why Happiness Matters

It impacts your life in surprising ways.

by Patty Onderko

❉ Boost Your Mood

You can program a positive state of mind with our proven exercises.

by Jill Becker

❉ Quiz: Are You Satisfied?

Author Ed Diener uses Satisfaction with Life Scale to find results.

by Jill Becker

❉ America's Most Blissed-Out Cities

Find out where your town ranks (Here's hoping you don't live in Detroit.)

by Sara Vigneri

❉ The Complete Happiest Cities List

The good, the bad and the ones that need Prozac.

by Sara Vigneri

❉ Significance

Purpose is essential to true contentment.

by Patton Dodd

❉ What My Dog Taught Me about Joy

A beloved retriever shared six life lessons with his master.

by Sandi Shelton