In class yesterday we started reading an article called "Happiness Revisited". I really enjoyed the article and as cheesy as it sounds I felt more conscious of my happiness after reading it! There are some questions to go along with it.
1. When do you feel most happy?
Before finishing the article, I was thinking about this question. My answer was going to be when I am accomplishing something that I am proud of and have worked hard at. That still is my answer, but then I came across the term "optimal experience". I think this describes myself well- it's a calm satisfaction for me. It can be when I finally complete a hard math problem, or finish a hard erg piece. It's not always easy during that time, which the article talks about, but the hard work is what makes those moments so special, and that work finally pays off when you achieve whatever it is.
2. React/Respond to the article.
As I said before, this article made me more conscious of my happiness. I thought one part in particular was especially interesting:
"Don't aim at success- the more you aim at it and make it a target, the more you are going to miss it. For success, like happiness, cannot be pursued; it must ensue... as the unintended side-effect of one's personal dedication to a course greater than oneself."
I hadn't really thought of this before, but then I realized that it's kind of true. If you set such high expectations for yourself, they will be harder and harder to achieve. It's good to challenge and push yourself, but it reaches a point where it is unrealistic and you're kind of missing the forest for the trees (as Ms. G says!)
I also liked the part about control, because I am one that that is very applicable to. I like to have everything planned out and be in control of the situation. Some might be happiest when they are just going with the flow and acting spontaneously, and while that's enjoyable sometimes, I am happiest when I accomplish a clear goal, something I know I want to work towards. The article talks about how we think that some of these forces that are out of our control- how we look, how tall we are, how smart we are, are out of our control and our fate controls our happiness in a way. I think that is definitely the case for me, because I focus on control a lot and wanting to be in control of the weather, the way my hair wants to look that day, how my parents are acting, and as a result it "decides" my moods.
3. Where are you on the flow chart?
The flow chart looks like a graph with challenges on the y axis and skills on the x axis. Across the middle there is a diagonal "flow channel" separating anxiety on the top from boredom on the bottom. In regards to my project, I think I am right within the flow channel, at about A4. I wouldn't say my running "skills" are top notch (hard to say what those are, but I'm certainly not an expert) and I am not just a beginner starting out having never run or exercised before. I am challenged by my project, especially the hands on part. I will be the first to admit it's not easy to run even 6 miles, so the distance definitely is. Mentally, it's a challenge too. I struggle to bring myself to push myself past that comfort zone, and so I think I am right within the flow channel.
4. How has this changed/remained the same throughout the course of your project?
I think I started out lower on both scales. I was less experienced before I started training regularly, but I was also doing shorter distances that I knew I could already do so that made it kind of boring. I haven't really reached anxiety yet except when I just get stressed about how much I have to do and running is one of those things, but I'm sure as I get closer to the race I will be moving more in that direction (though I'll try to stay in the channel). I started more towards boredom just because for example three miles wasn't really a challenge, but it was what my plan outlined for me to do so I stuck to that.
5. How can you achieve flow?
I feel like I have been achieving flow, but to continue that and not get bored with my project or too anxious before the race I will try to mix it up. I've been changing my runs up more lately to not do the same five miles every time, and I continue to adapt the longer distances. To not get anxious I will try to relax my challenges (still working hard, but not getting too worked up over things such as the distance or time).
I think all of this happiness, flow, and comfort zone material has really helped me stay more in tune with my project as a whole and I like that I can apply these thoughts to my regular life as well!
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