Jon StojanSocial scientists have comprehensively studied happiness, a subject close to everyone’s hearts, over the past decades. Positive psychology, in particular, was founded on the belief that individuals and communities strive to live meaningful and fulfilling lives. While traversing the path toward self-discovery amid struggling with panic disorder, Kim Strobel, a happiness coach and the founder of Strobel Education, has delved into the field of positive psychology and happiness research to find the light at the end of a dark tunnel. She employs research-driven strategies to empower others on their journeys toward unlocking happiness in life.
While obtaining knowledge and immersing herself in various practices to learn more about the field, Kim discovered the fundamental aspects of happiness based on scientific research. According to happiness researcher Sonja Lyubomirsky, 50 percent of people’s long-term happiness is genetically predetermined. External circumstances, including life events and the immediate environment, account for only 10 percent. This idea challenges the misconception that significant life changes (e.g., graduating college, getting married, etc.) guarantee lasting happiness. Meanwhile, 40 percent of people’s happiness lies within their control.
Essentially, Lyubomirsky’s insights debunk the common myths surrounding the pursuit of happiness. For instance, wealth beyond a certain threshold has a limited impact on happiness. Similarly, real-life stories of resilient individuals facing the challenges of terminal illnesses who find joy in their struggles illustrate the importance of understanding the nuances of happiness perfectly.
The happiness coach remarked, “The main point is that despite enduring hardships, we can return to our baseline happiness levels through adaptation and intentional choices.” The happiness pie chart, with its 50 percent genetic predisposition, 10 percent external circumstances, and 40 percent within people’s control, serves as a roadmap. While one cannot alter their genetic set point, they can focus on the 40 percent that is malleable. This portion encompasses an individual’s daily thoughts, actions, and behaviors, providing a practical avenue for increasing long-term happiness. “Think of the desires we often associate with happiness, like more money, a better job, or a nicer home. While these external factors contribute only 10 percent, our thoughts, actions, and behaviors around them make up 40 percent. Acknowledging this empowers us to choose happiness over discontent consciously.”
Kim, tired of living in fear while suffering from panic attacks for most of her life without anyone understanding what she was going through, made a conscious decision to improve her well-being one day at a time with the help of kind doctors, medication, therapy, research tools, and continuous pursuit of self-mastery. To fulfill her mission of helping teachers and school leaders take ownership of their personal and professional wellness, Kim, who worked 22 years in education as a former 4th-grade teacher, literacy coordinator, and curriculum director, founded Strobel Education. The award-winning speaker and educator has partnered with organizations like the United Nations Global Happiness Summit and the Google Education Summit.
Kim offers various services, such as highly motivational and thought-provoking keynotes for in-person and virtual events, capturing thousands of people in the audience with her contagious energy and research-based strategies for cultivating happiness. She also provides customized support for teachers, administrators, instructional coaches, and content specialists implementing new learning approaches or working toward novel professional goals. Driven by her mission to provide educators with vital support for managing stress, developing meaningful relationships, and creating more joy in their lives.
Ultimately, Kim utilizes brain-based strategies in her services, underlining that the journey to happiness involves understanding the interplay between genetics, external circumstances, and personal choices. With this knowledge, individuals can navigate life’s challenges, adapt to changing circumstances, and intentionally cultivate happiness in the 40 percent of the pie chart within their control.