Study Finds There’s More Than One Way to Live a Happy Life

Exciting vs. Cozy: Which Life Makes Us Happiest?
What does a happy life actually look like? Is it built on adventure and new experiences, financial success, or quiet comfort and stability? New research suggests there isn’t just one right answer.

Four Different Paths to a Happy Life
A newly published study in the Journal of Happiness Studies examined how people define a “good life” and how those choices connect to overall life satisfaction. Researchers looked at four common life concepts: a prosperous life focused on success and achievement, an exciting life centered on experiences and adventure, a cozy life rooted in comfort and balance, and a sustainable life built around environmental responsibility.

Happiness Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All
The findings point to something many people intuitively feel but rarely see backed by data: people can be equally happy living very different kinds of lives. Those who described their lives as prosperous, exciting, or cozy all reported similar levels of life satisfaction. In other words, wealth, adventure, and comfort can each provide a valid route to feeling fulfilled.

Age Shapes What Feels Most Fulfilling
The study also found that preferences change over time. Younger adults reported greater happiness when their lives felt exciting and full of new experiences. Older adults, on the other hand, tended to feel more satisfied when their lives were cozy, stable, and emotionally balanced.

The Real Takeaway
Rather than chasing someone else’s version of happiness, the research suggests fulfillment comes from leaning into the kind of life that fits your season and circumstances. Whether you’re building a life of adventure, comfort, or ambition, happiness isn’t about copying a formula — it’s about choosing a path that feels aligned with who you are.