We often think of happiness as something that just happens—a fleeting feeling that appears when the right mix of circumstances comes together. But what if happiness wasn’t always accidental? What if there were things you could actively do to bring more happiness into your life?
In our latest episode of The Coffee Journeys Show, we explored the fascinating concept of the four types of happiness (or chance) as outlined by neuroscientist Dr. James H. Austin in his book “Chase, Chance, and Creativity: The Lucky Art of Novelty”. Dr. Austin’s model suggests that while some happiness is indeed due to pure luck, much of it is actually influenced by our own actions, preparations, and unique qualities. Happiness is not always accidental.
Here’s a breakdown of the four types of happiness and some tips on how you can intentionally bring more joy and contentment into your life.
The Four Types of Happiness (or Chance)
Dr. James H. Austin categorizes happiness into four types or “chances.” Each type of happiness has a different source, and as we move through them, it becomes clear that we have more control over some types of happiness than others. Let’s take a closer look.
Blind Chance: When Happiness Just Happens
“Chance I is completely impersonal; you can’t influence it.” — Dr. James H. Austin
Definition: Blind chance is pure, unfiltered luck. It’s the happiness that comes when something good happens entirely out of the blue—without any action or input from us.
Example: Imagine bumping into an old friend you haven’t seen in years and instantly rekindling that connection. Or finding a $20 bill on the street. You did nothing to make these things happen; they simply occurred by sheer luck.
Key Takeaway: We have no control over blind chance. It’s random and unpredictable. While these moments of “lucky” happiness are wonderful, they are not something we can rely on to maintain long-term happiness. Instead, we should enjoy these moments when they come but not depend on them.
Happiness from Action: The More You Do, The More Chances You Create
“Chance II favors those who have a persistent curiosity about many things coupled with an energetic willingness to experiment and explore.” — Dr. James H. Austin
Definition: The second type of happiness comes from taking action. The more actions we take, the more chances we create for positive outcomes. This is the “you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take” type of happiness.
Example: If you’re trying to grow a business, the more potential clients you reach out to, the more likely you are to close a deal. Similarly, if you’re looking for new friends, joining different social groups or participating in various activities will increase your chances of meeting people you click with.
How to Apply It: To create more happiness in this category, commit to taking more actions. Try new things, meet new people, and put yourself out there. The more you do, the more opportunities you open up for happiness to find you.
💡Practical Tips:
- Set small daily goals that increase your engagement with life.
- Try something new each week, whether it’s a hobby, a new place to visit, or reaching out to someone you’ve wanted to connect with.
- Don’t be afraid to fail; every action you take opens the door to potential happiness, even if the outcome isn’t always perfect.
Happiness from Preparation: Being Ready When Opportunity Knocks
“Chance III favors those who have a sufficient background of sound knowledge plus special abilities in observing, remembering, recalling, and quickly forming significant new associations.” — Dr. James H. Austin
Definition: This type of happiness is the result of being prepared. When you’re knowledgeable or skilled in a particular area, you’re better equipped to recognize and seize opportunities when they arise.
Example: Consider a job opportunity that requires a very specific skill set. If you’ve been preparing and honing that skill, you’re in a prime position to take advantage of the opportunity when it comes along. Or think of an athlete who’s been training for years; when the big game day arrives, their preparation pays off.
How to Apply It: To cultivate this type of happiness, focus on preparation. Invest in learning, practice, and skill-building. The more prepared you are, the more capable you’ll be of capitalizing on the opportunities that come your way.
💡Practical Tips:
- Dedicate time each week to developing a skill you’re passionate about.
- Attend workshops, read books, or take online courses that advance your knowledge in areas that matter to you.
- Set personal benchmarks and track your progress so that you’re ready when the right opportunity presents itself.
Happiness from Uniqueness: Letting Your Character Attract Opportunities
“Chance IV favors those with distinctive, if not eccentric hobbies, personal lifestyles, and motor” — Dr. James H. Austin
Definition: The fourth type of happiness is unique to who you are. It’s the happiness that comes when opportunities find you because of your unique qualities—your personality, reputation, and character.
Example: Imagine that you’re known as someone who is incredibly creative, reliable, or empathetic. People may naturally reach out to you with opportunities because they value these qualities. Or if you’re recognized for your unique approach to problem-solving, you might find yourself being invited to collaborate on exciting projects.
How to Apply It: Focus on embracing your uniqueness and building a strong personal or professional reputation. By cultivating qualities that are true to who you are, you make yourself a magnet for opportunities that resonate with your authentic self.
💡Practical Tips:
- Reflect on your unique strengths and actively look for ways to incorporate them into your work and relationships.
- Build a strong personal brand—whether in your career, community, or social circles—by being consistent in who you are and what you stand for.
- Foster relationships with people who appreciate your unique qualities and who bring out the best in you.
Lessons Learned From This Coffee Journey
Conclusion: Happiness is not always accidental . We can creating more happiness on purpose.
While some happiness is purely accidental, much of it can be influenced by our actions, preparation, and uniqueness. Dr. Austin’s model shows us that by taking more action, being prepared, and embracing our unique qualities, we can set the stage for happiness to occur more frequently in our lives.
In short, happiness doesn’t have to be left to chance. By being intentional about how we engage with the world, we can make happiness a more regular part of our lives.
So ask yourself:
- What actions can I take today to create more opportunities for happiness?
- What skills or knowledge can I invest in to be better prepared for future opportunities?
- How can I let my unique qualities shine through in my life and attract opportunities?
If you want to learn more, listen to the full episode of The Coffee Journeys Show where we dive deeper into each type of happiness and share practical examples and tips for each stage.
Useful links
- Uncomfortable Conversations: The Power of Embracing Discomfort
- Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones
- The Power of Words: No More Bad Weather!
- The Four Kinds of Luck: How To Make A Habit Of “Getting Lucky”
Thanks for reading!
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