Why Happiness is the Superpower of High Performers

Happiness is a force for success. I recently came across of a research published in the Journal of Happiness Studies studied nearly a million U.S. Army soldiers over five years. The findings are extraordinary: happiness and optimism didn’t just matter to performance—they were game-changers. Soldiers who reported higher well-being were four times more likely to be recognized for their performance than those in the lower happiness range

This insight resonates deeply with me because it aligns with what I often see in coaching: thriving starts from within. Happiness isn’t just a byproduct of success; it’s often the foundation. When we feel good—emotionally and mentally—our creativity, resilience, and ability to connect with others skyrocket. It’s about the energy we bring to our work and life.

In professional settings, happiness means creating cultures that nurture well-being and eliminate toxic dynamics. Imagine teams driven by enthusiasm, optimism, and trust. These aren’t just "nice-to-haves"—they’re essential for productivity and innovation.

What’s inspiring is that cultivating happiness is within reach for all of us. It starts with small, intentional practices: gratitude journaling, setting clear goals, recognizing wins (big and small), and connecting to work that feels meaningful. For leaders, this also means creating environments where people feel valued, engaged and empowered.

Success doesn’t precede happiness—it’s often the other way around. Whether you’re leading a team, building a business, or navigating personal growth, prioritizing happiness can unlock levels of performance, innovation and fulfillment you didn’t know were possible.

Prioritizing happiness isn’t indulgent—it’s smart. When people thrive emotionally, they perform at their best. The science is clear, and it’s worth considering how to make space for well-being in work and life. What’s one small change you could make to nurture this superpower in your own life or with your team?

Happy Monday from me to you,

Jenni

If you’re looking for ways to align your work and life with well-being and clarity, let’s connect! I’m a Clarity Coach, helping professionals and entrepreneurs create the work and lifestyle desire. Learn more about my work from my website jenniglad.com or reach out on LinkedIn.