How many times have you sung along to the popular song, “Don’t Worry, Be Happy?” The melody elevates our spirits, and before we know it, we’re bobbing along, singing and smiling. It is uplifting.  Happiness feels good; it brightens our days and enriches our experiences. But have we ever stopped to think about how happiness fits into something much bigger—the well-being of an entire nation?

Each year on March 20, the world celebrates the International Day of Happiness, a recognition inspired by the Kingdom of Bhutan, a country that boldly prioritizes Gross National Happiness (GNH) over Gross Domestic Product (GDP) as a true measure of progress (https://www.un.org/en/observances/happiness-day). Bhutan’s philosophy is that well-being matters just as much as economic success, which stimulated some questions for me. What exactly is happiness? Where does it begin and end?

Does a collection of happy moments add up to a life well-lived? Is it a numbers game, or is something else at play? Perhaps happiness alone isn’t enough. Some of life’s most meaningful experiences don’t feel particularly “happy” in the moment, yet they bring a depth of fulfilment that lasts far beyond fleeting joy.

This reflection led me to explore the difference between happiness, fulfilment, and purpose—and how, together, they shape a truly meaningful life.

What is Happiness and Where Does It Come From

Happiness is often described as a pleasant emotional state, linked to positive experiences, relationships, and achievements. It is influenced by both external and internal factors:

External Happiness – A new job, a sunny day, time with a loved one
Internal Happiness – Gratitude, positive mindset, self-care

Studies in positive psychology suggest that happiness is shaped by:

• Genetics (50%) – Some people naturally experience higher levels of happiness.
• Circumstances (10%) – Life events and environment play a role but have a smaller impact than expected.
• Intentional Actions (40%) – Our habits, thoughts, and choices influence how happy we feel (Sonja Lyubomirsky, The How of Happiness).

I am always encouraged when I learn about influences within our own control.  Intentional actions, something over which we have TOTAL control, are said to contribute a complete 40% toward happiness.

We also learn that while happiness is indeed real and important, it is also temporary. It fluctuates with moods, experiences, and daily events.

Fulfilment Runs Deeper Than Happiness

Fulfilment is not just about feeling good—it is about being on the right path. It is tied to meaning, purpose, and long-term satisfaction. People who are fulfilled often say they feel:

A sense of contribution – Their actions matter to others.
A deeper purpose – Their work and relationships align with their values.
A lasting contentment – Even during difficult times, they know they are where they are meant to be.

Unlike happiness, fulfilment does not fade quickly. It stays with us, even on difficult days. It is possible to feel fulfilled but not always happy, such as when working toward a trying but meaningful goal.

Example: A parent waking up in the middle of the night to care for a sick child may not be “happy” in the moment, but they may feel deeply fulfilled by their role as a caregiver.

A study from the Greater Good Science Center found that people who focus on meaning rather than pleasure report greater life satisfaction over time (https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/).

Being On Purpose and Why It Matters

Living “on purpose” means aligning our actions with our deepest values. When we live with intention, we experience both happiness and fulfilment more consistently.

How to Know if You Are Living on Purpose

You wake up feeling that your work, relationships, or contributions matter.

You make choices based on what is truly important to you, not just what makes you happy in the moment.

You feel motivated and resilient, even during challenges.

Research from Harvard Medical School shows that people with a strong sense of purpose tend to live longer, have better mental health, and experience more life satisfaction (https://www.health.harvard.edu/topics/mind-and-mood).

How to Find Your Purpose

Reflect on What Matters Most – What activities make you lose track of time? What brings you a sense of contribution?
Look at Your Strengths – What do others appreciate about you? What skills do you naturally bring to the world?
Take Small Steps Toward Meaningful Goals – Purpose does not have to be a grand mission. Even small, meaningful actions create a sense of direction.

Happiness, Fulfilment, and Purpose Work Together

Happiness, fulfilment, and purpose are not opposites, nor are they mutually exclusive—they work together.

• Happiness brings joy to daily life but can be fleeting.
• Fulfilment adds depth and meaning and lasts longer.
• Purpose provides direction and guides both happiness and fulfilment.

A meaningful life includes all three. Seeking only happiness can feel empty, while focusing only on fulfilment without joy can lead to burnout. The balance comes from pursuing purpose while appreciating happiness along the way.

Final Thoughts

Bhutan’s bold and forward-thinking decision to prioritize Gross National Happiness (GNH) over Gross Domestic Product (GDP) challenged the world to rethink how we define progress. The subsequent International Day of Happiness serves as a reminder that true well-being extends beyond economic success—it includes the richness of our experiences, the depth of our connections, and the sense of purpose that guides our lives.

By aligning our actions with what truly matters, we create not just a collection of happy moments but a life well-lived.

Rhonda Latreille, MBA, CPCA
Founder & CEO
Age-Friendly Business®

p.s.  Since 2003,  Age-Friendly Business® has trained thousands of professionals and businesses committed to learning how to elevate the quality of the client, customer, and community experience.  They are called Certified Professional Consultants on Aging (CPCAs) and Age-Friendly Businesses.  They have earned the right to ask for your business.