My new favorite word: eudaimonia
What ancient Greek philosophy tells us about long-lasting happiness at work
My life’s goal is not simply to be happy. I don’t want that for my kids or my loved ones, either. Instead of saying “as long as you’re happy,” I tell them: “I hope you’re fulfilled.”
It’s my way of saying that I want something deeper than a transient pleasant emotion. I want to invest in being part of something meaningful, and even though that may take hard work and involve some challenge, it will be worth it in the end.
Imagine my surprise and delight when a colleague recently told me that there is a word for this type of pleasure with a purpose: eudaimonic happiness, a concept created by Aristotle more than two thousand years ago.
“In the Aristotelian view, we are driven to pursue our potential, to be the best versions of ourselves that we can be. For you, that might be to be an artist, a musician, a scholar, a craftsman, an athlete, or an explorer.
“The eudaimonic life is to be had whenever we are in pursuit of fulfilling our potential. That way, we find more meaning and purpose in life.”
— Stephen Joseph, Psychology Today
This is a concept that’s right in line with approaching our careers as journeys of discovery. It underlines research finding that extrinsic motivators of professional success (the corner office, the raise) don’t actually increase job satisfaction. Only intrinsic motivators such as growth lead to fulfillment.
The benefits of eudaimonic happiness become especially clear when compared to pursuing pleasure only for pleasure’s sake. This was a contrasting approach pushed by another ancient Greek philosopher, called hedonic happiness. As it turns out, according to reference site ThoughtCo, “while hedonic activities become less effective at evoking happiness over time, eudaimonic activities become more effective.”
This is called the hedonic treadmill, as described by PositivePsychology.com: “despite experiencing positive events or acquiring desirable possessions, our happiness levels tend to return to a stable baseline over time.”
In other words, getting that corner office feels great for a while, and then the novelty fades and you’re right back where you started. Looked at this way, the career ladder is really more of a hamster wheel.
Instead, we can follow Aristotle’s approach and look for the deeper purpose to our work. We deserve the long-lasting fulfillment that flows from working toward what we value.
(Eudaimonic) happy navigating,
Bridget
🔗 Links:
What Is Eudaimonic Happiness? (Psychology Today)
Why career success doesn't always mean fulfillment (Explore Your Career River)
What's the Difference Between Eudaimonic and Hedonic Happiness? (ThoughtCo)
How to Escape the Hedonic Treadmill and Be Happier (PositivePsychology.com)