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| Disagree | 14% | 249 votes | Total: 1791 votes | |
| Agree | 86% | 1542 votes |
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Add to FavoritesWhile not completely true, it's not entirely false either; productivity and the emotion that decides it depends on the person. However, a generalization of "happy people being more productive" isn't agreeable. After all, with all people different factors that influence attitude and drive towards productivity are rarely the same.
A different generalization: "Happy people are complacent". Thus saying that such a person - by definition - is contented to a fault; self-satisfied and unconcerned. Perhaps having arrived at such a state of happiness after years of successful productivity, now this specific person is the opposite of productive, thus altering the initial generalization. Now... being happy is the conclusion and not the prelude to productivity, saying: "Productive people are happy people".
So if this is the case - of happiness being a result and not a cause - then what inspired the productivity to start with? Possibly the person was happy to begin with and the productivity as a result of a stronger sense of dedication led to an increased level of happiness that eventually reached complacency, but even more likely was that it could have been rooted in any emotion. Since a wide variety of emotions are usually triggers for productivity.
An example of the opposite: "Angry people are productive". Now, anger or even a deeper sense of hatred is the motivator towards productivity. Perhaps not even the anger itself, but the by-product in the form of frustration, competition, struggle, or desperation... all of which are easily observed emotions in times of conflict and war, when the highest level of productivity - especially in new technologies - is observed in extremely limited time periods. Can the same be said for the ideal Utopian societies? Where in the highest form of observed complacency exists? No, of course not. Much like the Garden of Eden, there's no need for productivity to exist, especially when happiness is the only product.
Then, as the counter argument, is a happy person incapable of productivity? Not necessarily, but to what degree of happiness is that person and for what purpose are they living? To produce is to survive. A farmer can be happy, and produce crops and building materials from the land and live in happiness, but that productivity isn't caused from happiness... it is focused on survival. On the other hand, there is another farmer in the same region who is equally as productive, and is completely bitter and resentful, but his level of productivity might even surpass the other because he strives to accomplish his goals faster because the act of doing it doesn't cause him happiness; as much as finishing the task. A similar - but slightly different - case can hold true for two neighbors and a need to mow their lawns before a coming rain. If neighbor A is happy, he may not feel a need to accomplish his task, while neighbor B recognizes that waiting would result in a more difficult job in the future. Thus, B mows his lawn and A does not. B is able to concentrate on other tasks, although he may not have wanted to be productive, its the act of need that resulted in an increased level, while happy A's lack of productivity just cost him. Because he was happy, he didn't feel the need to mow, thus the state of happiness was a negative factor in productivity.
So, in recognizing the previous examples, one would realize that truth rests in the need of accomplishing a task, and not necessarily the emotional state leading into it. That when concerning a level of productivity, a person who is happier may be at a disadvantage. It's not to say they aren't productive when they are, just that they may not be as efficient as the next person. That the best course of those persons productive is the one where they use productivity to reach their goal of happiness, and aren't already there to start.
Learn more about this author, Morgan Carlson.
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Agree
Some people define happiness as being wealthy and never having to worry about finances, while others merely believe that true joy comes from the heart. There are also those that are truly miserable, but that misery has become such a familiar part of their life that being joyful has taken the "back seat", when priorities are put in order. Regardless of how one views the ever so beautiful emotion that we call happiness, it is a fact that those who are filled with such joy are definitely more productive. It is very rare that one who is angry, bitter, or lacking emotion succeeds.
True happiness begins with one's self image. When lack of self esteem and/or anger overwhelms the incredible nature of joy, there is only one way to become productive, and that is simply to begin seeking happiness. So often we surround ourselves with negative influences, pessimistic people full of doubt and confrontation. This is clearly evident in families, on the job, within friendships, etc. These types of personalities have a tendency to frown upon laughter or another one's joyful spirit. The character displayed is anger, jealousy, selfishness, and lack of emotion, especially for another human being. This type of person toxifies those of a happy spirit by feeding them negativity and constant sarcasm. At times it angers them to hear the sounds of laughter and often these people will dismiss themselves from the setting.
This is very sad, especially for those that strive to be productive and see others do so as well. This type of negative influence will cause tension and turmoil. I call them influences because all peace and joy is dispelled when their present, spreading strife and anger throughout. A genuinely happy person cannot thrive and flourish while listening to negativity and conflict. The fact of the matter is that these people are unhappy with themselves, and are not willing to allow others to be happy either. The miserable frowns and countenances of anger in the unhappy spirit will literally distinguish the flow of production occuring in the home, place of employment, relationships, churches, and within one's self. Therefore, it is impossible to please the unhappy, and positive energy is used in great efforts to do so, but without success.
In some cases unhappy people are in such a state because they are surrounded by these negative influences for a great period of time. In that case one must differentiate between being happy themselves or living to please the miserable. It's a choice, but a very crucial one. Productivity must start with a positive outlook, a pleasant environment, and happy people. A helping hand and a gentle spirit can change lives, boost self confidence, and create an array of beauty but it must be received in order to do such good. If rejected, try again, and if these positive roles are still not accepted, know that the only lack of production lies inside a dark circle of negativity empowered by selfish pride.
Happiness is such a wonderful emotion, and needful for people to succeed. All good things come from peace and love that spreads joy to others. Encouragement, sharing, caring, optimism, positive role models, healthy relationships and families,unified churches, thriving businesses, goals, dreams, and so much more can be achieved through happy spirits, but it can all be destroyed with one that is miserable. I believe that life is a gift, but it is also short, and we must never allow unhappiness to control our future. For in doing so many people suffer, even those that were once happy. Live to be a positive and productive individual. Smile upon those who frown, give from the heart without hesitating not expecting anything in return, be kind and gentle, willing to help those in need. Never take advantage of another person's generosity, and always put yourself in another's place knowing that someday you may need just one generous soul to help you along life's journey. Be grateful for everything you have, most of all, happiness.
Learn more about this author, Lori Davis.
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