What Shapes Our Happiness—Personality, Circumstances, or Ourselves?

Happiness is a concept we all seek yet struggle to define. Is it a fleeting emotion, a state of mind, or something more profound? Can two people experience happiness in entirely different ways—and if so, how much of that is tied to our personality? More importantly, is personality something we’re born with, set in stone, or can it be reshaped over time?

These questions take center stage in a groundbreaking study led by René Mõttus, Professor of Personality Psychology at Edinburgh University and the University of Tartu in Estonia. Drawing on data from over 21,000 adults across Europe and Britain, the research explored the relationship between personality traits and life satisfaction.

The findings are striking. While we often think life’s events significantly sway our happiness, the study shows that our personality plays a far bigger role. In fact, even when someone’s life satisfaction dipped over a decade, their happiness could still be accurately predicted based on personality traits measured ten years earlier.

But here’s the twist: Mõttus, once skeptical about personality change, now believes in its potential. “I’ve been very skeptical about personality change research, but I’m really changing my mind,” he says. “There is a reason we should try these things, and the initial findings are pretty encouraging.”

This challenges the long-held belief that personality is fixed. It opens up exciting possibilities for intentional personal growth—suggesting that by understanding and working on our traits, we might unlock deeper, more enduring happiness.

Curious to dive deeper? Read the full article here for a fascinating look at how personality and happiness intersect, and what it means for us all.