We all want to be happy, right? Many people think happiness means smiling, eating good food, watching memes or going on a trip. These things give joy but the happiness from them does not stay long. After some time it goes away. That is why many psychologists and even old philosophers talk about a different type of happiness, The Eudaimonic Approach to Psychological Well-Being.
I know this word looks big and maybe difficult. I also read it two times when I first saw it. But don’t worry, we will make it very simple.
Hedonic vs Eudaimonic
First let us understand the difference. Hedonic happiness is when you eat pizza, get likes on social media, or buy something you like. It feels good in the moment but it does not last.
Eudaimonic well-being is more deep. It is about purpose, meaning, and growth in life. Hedonic is “feel good now.” Eudaimonic is “live good for long time.”
Also Read: Habit Formation Neuroplasticity | How Your Brain Builds New Habits Naturally
Why “Know Yourself” Matters
There is one old Greek line: Know Thyself. Very short but very powerful. If you don’t know who you are, what your values are, or what things matter most for you, then you will always run after random things.
The first step in eudaimonic way is self-awareness. Ask yourself:
- What are my strengths?
- What values I really believe?
- What makes my life meaningful beyond comfort?
Writing these answers in a journal helps. Or sometimes just sitting alone quietly, without phone, gives clarity.
Become What You Are
There is also another idea: become what you are. Many people live how others want. Parents expect one thing, society wants another, and social media shows different story.
In all this noise, your real self gets lost.
Eudaimonic life means living as your true self. If you are creative, don’t hide it because of a “safe” job. If you are kind, don’t stop it because world looks harsh.
Living your authentic self builds deeper well-being than just short pleasure moments.
Also Read: Web3 Programming Skills | Essential Guide 2025 (Roadmap + Salaries)
Six Pillars of Eudaimonic Well-Being
Psychologist Carol Ryff gave a model of well-being with six parts:
- Self-acceptance – accept yourself with flaws.
- Purpose in life – have goals that give meaning.
- Personal growth – always keep learning.
- Environmental mastery – handle life challenges.
- Positive relations – make supportive connections.
- Autonomy – make choices true to yourself.
You don’t need to master all at one time. Start with one or two pillars.
Easy Ways to Practice Daily
Here are some simple ways for eudaimonic well-being:
- Journaling: Write why your day mattered, not only what you did.
- Gratitude: Be thankful in deeper way. For example, “I am thankful for my friend’s advice” not only “I am thankful for my phone.”
- Meaningful goals: Change “I want six-pack abs” to “I want health so I can play with kids.”
- Mindfulness: Sit, breathe, listen to your mind without judgment.
- Authentic choices: Before saying yes, ask “Is this really me?”
Real Talk: Not Always Easy
Eudaimonic life is not easy. Some people will not like your true self. Goals with meaning may feel slow. Some days you will doubt yourself.
But the struggle makes you strong. Like gym makes muscles hurt first but later stronger, same is with eudaimonic living. It feels hard but gives long-lasting peace.
Final Thoughts
World will always give you hedonic happiness: buy this, eat that, scroll here. These things are okay sometimes, but they don’t last.
Eudaimonic Approach to Psychological Well-Being teaches us that real happiness is about knowing yourself, accepting who you are, and living by your values.
So next time you ask “Am I happy?” also ask: Am I only chasing quick fun… or building a life with real meaning?
No comments: