4 Levels of Happiness Explained In Simple Words

To some of us, happiness is definitely elusive. Some of us may experience fleeting moments of joy, but great despair most of the time. Others may experience happiness through simple pleasures every day.

The first level of happiness is Laetus, which is derived from material possessions and physical goods. For example, buying a new handbag or going to a spa might induce feelings of pleasure. However, happiness obtained from instant gratification is often short-lived, and you may end up feeling empty afterward.

The second level of happiness is Felix, which means that you gain happiness from comparing yourself with others, and you feel superior or better than the other person. Ie. You may feel more intelligent, or more beautiful than your friends, or perhaps you have more spending power. However, this can backfire on you, as there are always people who are more accomplished or more successful than you. Constant comparisons with others may cause you to feel tired and worn out. 

The third level of happiness is Beautido. You may feel happy after donating some chump change to the local busker on the street. Or perhaps, you feel invigorated and inspired after coming back from a community service trip overseas. Little acts of philanthropy and kindness to make the world a better place, can give us a sense of happiness as well. We are social creatures and we all crave intimate and authentic connections, to love and be loved. 

The fourth level of happiness is Sublime Beautido. For most people, it may be almost impossible to attain, since it ranks as highly as self-actualization on Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. Hence, people go to church or mosques, or they may dabble in new age movements, to seek spiritual guidance and to satisfy their innermost longing for a greater purpose on this earth. 

Grab your phone or paper and remember to record down your answers! :)

A.Travelling, shopping, and dining at cafes

B. Posting pictures of my shopping haul on Instagram

C.Doing volunteer and charity work

D. Going to church/joining spiritual retreats

A. Spend on a big-ticket item or go to a spa for a massage since you need something to be happy about.

B. Feel jealous of her and vow to work harder at your job.

C. Feel happy for her but decide that you are not going to change your vocation anytime soon. After all, it is your calling.

D. Feel happy for her and spend time meditating in solitude afterward.

A. Shop till you drop!/YOLO.

B. Fake it till you make it./I will show you I have what it takes to succeed.

C. We are all placed here for a purpose./I want to make this world a better place.

D. I want to be the best version of myself.

A. Won a spin and win lucky dip for spending $10,000 at a mall
B. Best employee of the year award for having the highest KPI(Key performance indicators) in your company

C. Award for rehoming street dogs

D. Won a free spiritual retreat to the Maldives, all expenses paid

A. Dance classes/movie night/boardgames/travel groups

B. Investors club, Successful businessmen under 30, Forex club

C. Save our community cats/Visit to orphanages/Food banks

D. Attending Mormon church services/exploring chakras and new age spiritual practices with friends/trying out Wiccan and Pagan stuff

A. A trinket from Tiffany's

B. Your awards and trophies won throughout the course of your career

C. Your hamster cages(with your beloved hamsters)

D. The Bible/Quran/Ouija board/A Buddhist statue

What made you happy today?

A. Your custom made stuffed toy from Etsy arrived

B. Your boss praised you in front of the entire department and gave you a pay raise.

C. A child from the orphanage you were visiting hugged you.

D. You discovered the presence of a higher power in your life.

A. Spontaneous/fashionable
B.Motivated/Driven
C.Kind/generous
D.Religious/very spiritual

A. Clothes with catchy slogans and logos/fashionable threads on a budget
B. Branded clothing from Dior/Guess/Gucci
C.Ethically and sustainably sourced or clothing donated to thrift stores
D.Comfortable and modest clothing/Clothing in line with your religious beliefs

A. Any skincare brand which happens to be on sale
B. Lancome/Pitera/Avene 
C.The body Shop/Lush
D.A beauty brand whose values do not contradict your religious beliefs

A. Viva la Juicy by Juicy Couture for Women/Pretty by Elizabeth Arden
B. Chanel No 5 Eau de Parfum/L'eau by Jimmy Choo/La Femme Intense by Prada
C. Rose Morning Eau de Parfum by Fresh/Green tea by Elizabeth Arden
D. Amazing Grace Ballet Rose Eau de Toilette by Philosophy/White Musk by The Body Shop

Count your As, Bs, Cs, Ds and find out which is your dominant alphabet. You might have the next alphabet close to your dominant alphabet. If you can guess, A is Laetus, B is Felix, C is Beautido and D is Sublime Beautido. 

If you are already D, congratulations, you are already at the highest level of happiness! Please spread your happiness to others. If you are not D, please do not worry! Are you currently happy? Do you have the desire to grow or improve, perhaps you can consider heading to the next level. If you are already happy, it is totally fine to stay on the happiness level!

Chasing the pursuit of happiness can be futile, and leave us drained and empty-handed. Happiness is a sense of being, regardless of time, place, and circumstances. Learn to let go of petty squabbles, and enjoy the little pleasures in life. This is what makes life worth living.