More Than Just a Good Feeling: Why True Happiness Goes Deeper

When it comes to Positive Psychology – the science of a fulfilling life – many people first think of the famous “feel-good happiness.” Good moods, joy, gratitude, a glass of wine with friends, or a sunset by the lake. All of that is part of it. And yes – it’s important. These moments are balm for our souls; they nourish us and give us strength. But they’re only one part of the picture. Real, deep, and lasting well-being has more than one side.

What often gets overlooked is what's known as values-based happiness – the kind of happiness that arises when we live in alignment with our inner beliefs and values. When we not only feel good, but also feel that our life matters.

Feel-Good Happiness vs. Values-Based Happiness – What’s the Difference?

• Feel-Good Happiness (Hedonic Well-Being):This is what brings us joy in the moment – pleasure, fun, lightness. It recharges our batteries, but is often fleeting. Like a beautiful song that makes everything feel better for a little while.

• Values-Based Happiness (Eudaimonic Well-Being):This is the deeper kind of happiness. It comes from doing what’s important to us – even when it’s hard, uncomfortable, or challenging. It’s the feeling of fulfillment, not just joy.

  
  

  Both are part of the human experience. But when we rely solely on the first, we often end up feeling empty inside – despite the smile on our face.

Why Values-Based Happiness Is So Powerful

Werteglück ist das, was uns morgens aufstehen lässt – auch an schweren Tagen. Es ist der leise, aber stabile Anker, der uns sagt: "Das, was du tust, hat Bedeutung."

Menschen, die ein starkes Gefühl für ihre Werte haben – und diese auch leben –, berichten von:

• grösserer Resilienz in Krisen

• tieferen Beziehungen

• einem stabileren Selbstwert

• mehr innerer Ruhe und Klarheit

Das bedeutet nicht, dass alles immer „leicht“ ist. Aber es fühlt sich richtig an.

Science Confirms It

Studies in Positive Psychology show that people who shape their lives around their values experience greater long-term psychological well-being than those who focus solely on short-term pleasure. Martin Seligman, one of the founders of Positive Psychology, includes this in his PERMA model, where the “M” stands for Meaning – a central component of a fulfilled life.

How Do I Find My Values-Based Happiness?

The good news: values can be discovered. And you don’t have to completely change your life to do it. Often, a shift in perspective is enough.

Here are a few questions that can help you find your path to values-based happiness:

• What truly matters to me in life – even when it’s not easy?

• When do I feel most authentic and connected to myself?

• What decisions have I never regretted, even though they were hard?

• Where in my everyday life could I live more in line with my values?

Happiness Is Multidimensional

A life full of happiness doesn’t mean being happy all the time – it means living in alignment with yourself. That includes: joy in the little things and the courage to walk your own path, even when it’s uncomfortable.

The science of well-being is rich and complex. It’s not just about good feelings – it’s about depth, meaning, and growth. About being true to yourself – even if that’s not always Instagram-worthy.

So: allow yourself to explore the full spectrum of happiness. Not either-or. But both-and.

Because life can feel good. But most importantly, it should feel true.