--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Happiness is actually an individual…" description: "\"Happiness is actually an individual choice, even in the midst of negative circumstances. It's not something our employers can give to us, though they c..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e7f/shawn-achor-6891_choice_happiness-is-actually-an-individual-choi_1349438.png" --- # Happiness is actually an individual choice, even in the… ![“Happiness is actually an individual choice, even in the midst of negative circumstances. It's not something our employers can give to us, though they can limit and influence that choice.” quote by Shawn Achor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e7f/shawn-achor-6891_choice_happiness-is-actually-an-individual-choi_1349438.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e7f/shawn-achor-6891_choice_happiness-is-actually-an-individual-choi_1349438.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e7f/shawn-achor-6891_choice_happiness-is-actually-an-individual-choi_1349438.png) > “Happiness is actually an individual choice, even in the midst of negative circumstances. It's not something our employers can give to us, though they can limit and influence that choice.” [Shawn Achor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/shawn-achor/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Happiness is a personal decision, even when circumstances are tough; employers can shape but not dictate it. **In simple terms:** Choose happiness despite hardships. Key Takeaway Cultivate a positive mindset regardless of external factors. Themes choice resilience well‑being Mood optimistic reflective Type philosophical inspirational When to use this quote - workplace stress - personal setbacks - health challenges - financial strain Key Concepts positive psychology autonomy Questions to Reflect On - What choices can you make today to boost your happiness? - How can you protect your joy from negative environments? A Different Perspective External control can limit but not eliminate personal agency. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Choice](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/choice/) [Choices](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/choices/) [Employers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/employers/) [Giving](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/giving/) [Happiness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/happiness/) [Individual](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/individual/) [Individual choice](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/individual-choice/) [Influence](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/influence/) [Limits](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/limits/) ## Related quotes > [Today it's time to let go, let go of anything that's bringing you down. Don't let negative circumstances deter you from the wonderful things…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/today-it-s-time-to-let-go-let-go-of-anything-that-s-bringing-you-down/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Dont let negative circumstances deter you from your goal.Learn from failure to gain experiences.Surround yourself with people who will lift you & shows the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dranil-kr-sinha/dont-let-negative-circumstances-deter-you-from-your-goal-learn-from/) [DrAnil Kr Sinha](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dranil-kr-sinha/) > [People blame other people for 'changing' someone, when its never the case, yes someone can be an influence, but its your choice to change.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/people-blame-other-people-for-changing-someone-when-its-never-the/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [The character of the subject must influence the choice of the method of its representation.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/walter-j-phillips/the-character-of-the-subject-must-influence-the-choice-of-the-method/) [Walter J. Phillips](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/walter-j-phillips/) > [There's no such thing as a 'bad influence.' You have a choice, to let yourself get influenced or to do what YOU know is…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/there-s-no-such-thing-as-a-bad-influence-you-have-a-choice-to-let/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [“Sometimes we are only aware of how happy we are when the moment has passed. But now and again, if we are very luky,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/benjamin-brooks-dutton/sometimes-we-are-only-aware-of-how-happy-we-are-when-the-moment-has-2/) Benjamin Brooks-Dutton > [One dangerous definition of happiness is to think of happiness as kind of a warm, joyful feeling in your heart that you have to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/steven-c-hayes/one-dangerous-definition-of-happiness-is-to-think-of-happiness-as/) [Steven C. Hayes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/steven-c-hayes/) > [...this culture of mandatory happiness actually promotes dishonesty and more suffering.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tullian-tchividjian/this-culture-of-mandatory-happiness-actually-promotes-dishonesty-and/) [Tullian Tchividjian](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tullian-tchividjian/) > [Happiness and well-being are actually best regarded as skills.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/richard-davidson/happiness-and-well-being-are-actually-best-regarded-as-skills/) [Richard Davidson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/richard-davidson/) > [Happiness is actually found in simple things, such as taking my nephew around the island by bicycle or seeing the stars at night. We…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/andrea-hirata/happiness-is-actually-found-in-simple-things-such-as-taking-my-nephew/) [Andrea Hirata](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/andrea-hirata/) > [When happiness is actually in possession, the thought of evil can no more acquire the feeling of reality than the thought of good can…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-james/when-happiness-is-actually-in-possession-the-thought-of-evil-can-no/) [William James](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-james/) > [Sometimes we are only aware of how happy we are when the moment has passed. But now and again, if we are very lucky,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tony-parsons/sometimes-we-are-only-aware-of-how-happy-we-are-when-the-moment-has/) [Tony Parsons](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tony-parsons/) > [People seem to assume that relationships are the way to happiness but you actually have more of a chance of being miserable.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/people-seem-to-assume-that-relationships-are-the-way-to-happiness-but/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Inner happiness actually is the fuel of success.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/inner-happiness-actually-is-the-fuel-of-success/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [From being in Tibet and being around Tibetans, I feel like I've learned so much more about what brings a person happiness, about what…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/adam-yauch/from-being-in-tibet-and-being-around-tibetans-i-feel-like-i-ve/) [Adam Yauch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/adam-yauch/) ## More by Shawn Achor > [Joy is something you can experience even when life is not pleasurable. Even in the midst of a long run, when your legs are…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/shawn-achor/joy-is-something-you-can-experience-even-when-life-is-not-pleasurable/) [Shawn Achor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/shawn-achor/) > [Our daily decisions and habits have a huge impact upon both our levels of happiness and success.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/shawn-achor/our-daily-decisions-and-habits-have-a-huge-impact-upon-both-our/) [Shawn Achor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/shawn-achor/) > [Beliefs are so powerful because they dictate our efforts and actions.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/shawn-achor/beliefs-are-so-powerful-because-they-dictate-our-efforts-and-actions/) [Shawn Achor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/shawn-achor/) > [Happiness is the precursor to success.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/shawn-achor/happiness-is-the-precursor-to-success/) [Shawn Achor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/shawn-achor/) > [Positive and engaged brains are a company's greatest assets. More than time and even more than productivity, people must be happy.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/shawn-achor/positive-and-engaged-brains-are-a-company-s-greatest-assets-more-than/) [Shawn Achor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/shawn-achor/) > [The idea of investing in the positivity of employees is often low down on companies' priority lists.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/shawn-achor/the-idea-of-investing-in-the-positivity-of-employees-is-often-low/) [Shawn Achor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/shawn-achor/) > [We not only need to work happy, we need to work at being happy.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/shawn-achor/we-not-only-need-to-work-happy-we-need-to-work-at-being-happy/) [Shawn Achor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/shawn-achor/) > [..the more you believe in your own ability to success the more likely it is that you will.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/shawn-achor/the-more-you-believe-in-your-own-ability-to-success-the-more-likely/) [Shawn Achor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/shawn-achor/) > [Focusing on the good isn’t just about overcoming our inner grump to see the glass half full. It’s about opening our minds to the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/shawn-achor/focusing-on-the-good-isn-t-just-about-overcoming-our-inner-grump-to/) [Shawn Achor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/shawn-achor/) > [Happiness is not the belief that we don't need to change; it's the realization that we can.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/shawn-achor/happiness-is-not-the-belief-that-we-don-t-need-to-change-it-s-the/) [Shawn Achor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/shawn-achor/) > [We sometimes think that the best doctors are the ones who have the most specialized knowledge or the fanciest degrees, but in fact, study…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/shawn-achor/we-sometimes-think-that-the-best-doctors-are-the-ones-who-have-the/) [Shawn Achor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/shawn-achor/) > [Research shows you get multiple tasks done faster if you do them one at a time. It also decreases stress and raises happiness.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/shawn-achor/research-shows-you-get-multiple-tasks-done-faster-if-you-do-them-one/) [Shawn Achor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/shawn-achor/) > [The research says that being successful doesn't automatically make you happier, but being happier - being more positive - makes you more successful.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/shawn-achor/the-research-says-that-being-successful-doesn-t-automatically-make/) [Shawn Achor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/shawn-achor/) > [Spend two minutes a day scanning the world for three new things you're grateful for. And do that for 21 days, The reason why…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/shawn-achor/spend-two-minutes-a-day-scanning-the-world-for-three-new-things-you/) [Shawn Achor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/shawn-achor/) > [“Neuroscientists have found that financial losses are actually processed in the same areas of the brain that respond to mortal danger.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/shawn-achor/neuroscientists-have-found-that-financial-losses-are-actually/) [Shawn Achor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/shawn-achor/) [Explore all 96 Shawn Achor quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/shawn-achor/) ## More Choice quotes > [Making the right decision is hard,telling someone your decision is even harder.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/abhishek-tiwari/making-the-right-decision-is-hard-telling-someone-your-decision-is/) [Abhishek Tiwari](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/abhishek-tiwari/) > [“That’s all! Now either leave us alone or join us as a father rather than a receiver of sacrifices. You have the choice of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dan-simmons/that-s-all-now-either-leave-us-alone-or-join-us-as-a-father-rather/) [Dan Simmons](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dan-simmons/) > [“In a world of fixed future, there can be no right or wrong. Right and wrong demand freedom of choice, but if each action…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alan-lightman/in-a-world-of-fixed-future-there-can-be-no-right-or-wrong-right-and/) [Alan Lightman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alan-lightman/) > [“Exactly. So, what can't you take? Decide which of the two options is harder, and do the other. That way, no matter how hard…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/josephine-angelini/exactly-so-what-can-t-you-take-decide-which-of-the-two-options-is/) [Josephine Angelini](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/josephine-angelini/) > [“too—I realized that my only hope was to give up the life that had been, in order to make room for the life that…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/elizabeth-lesser/too-i-realized-that-my-only-hope-was-to-give-up-the-life-that-had/) [Elizabeth Lesser](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/elizabeth-lesser/) > [When you have a choice, choose happy!](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/pancho-barnes/when-you-have-a-choice-choose-happy/) Pancho Barnes > [You dont choose your life; it chooses you. Theres no point asking why life has reserved certain joys or griefs, you just accept them…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/paulo-coelho/you-dont-choose-your-life-it-chooses-you-theres-no-point-asking-why/) [Paulo Coelho](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/paulo-coelho/) > [There has always been a feeling with people that they love my singing but not always the choice of material.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alison-moyet/there-has-always-been-a-feeling-with-people-that-they-love-my-singing/) [Alison Moyet](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alison-moyet/) > [I have too many options when it comes to guitars.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rick-nielsen/i-have-too-many-options-when-it-comes-to-guitars/) [Rick Nielsen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rick-nielsen/) > [“Amazing how a small choice can change your life forever.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/randy-c-dockens/amazing-how-a-small-choice-can-change-your-life-forever/) Randy C. Dockens > [Change is inevitable but personal growth is a choice.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bob-proctor/change-is-inevitable-but-personal-growth-is-a-choice/) [Bob Proctor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bob-proctor/) > [If you choose to draw from the inner well of free will, then you can make choices that are outside your current karmic patterns.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/frederick-lenz/if-you-choose-to-draw-from-the-inner-well-of-free-will-then-you-can/) [Frederick Lenz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/frederick-lenz/) > [Since I don't outline my books very much, I feel like sometimes I don't have a choice in what the characters do; they just…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anna-todd/since-i-don-t-outline-my-books-very-much-i-feel-like-sometimes-i-don/) [Anna Todd](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anna-todd/) > [Act always so as to increase the number of choices](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/heinz-von-foerster/act-always-so-as-to-increase-the-number-of-choices/) [Heinz von Foerster](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/heinz-von-foerster/) > [Words can only have an effect on you if you choose to listen to them.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bernajoy-vaal/words-can-only-have-an-effect-on-you-if-you-choose-to-listen-to-them/) [Bernajoy Vaal](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bernajoy-vaal/) [Browse all 8,092 Choice quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/choice/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "Happiness is actually an individual choice, even in the midst of negative circumstances. It's not something our employers can give to us, though they can limit and influence that choice.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Shawn Achor" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/shawn-achor/happiness-is-actually-an-individual-choice-even-in-the-midst-of/", "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Choice" }, "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/shawn-achor/happiness-is-actually-an-individual-choice-even-in-the-midst-of/#quotation", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e7f/shawn-achor-6891_choice_happiness-is-actually-an-individual-choi_1349438.png", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e7f/shawn-achor-6891_choice_happiness-is-actually-an-individual-choi_1349438.png", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e7f/shawn-achor-6891_choice_happiness-is-actually-an-individual-choi_1349438.png", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“Happiness is actually an individual choice, even in the midst of negative circumstances. It's not something…” — Shawn Achor", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Quotes", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Shawn Achor", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/shawn-achor/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "Happiness is actually an individual choice,...", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/shawn-achor/happiness-is-actually-an-individual-choice-even-in-the-midst-of/" } ], "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/shawn-achor/happiness-is-actually-an-individual-choice-even-in-the-midst-of/#breadcrumb" }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "publisher": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } }, { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png", "width": 512, "height": 512 } } ] } ```