Thinking Beyond Science

The world has always posed challenges, but never before have we experienced change at such an exponential pace. The documentary The Social Dilemma (or, as some have called it, a very realistic horror movie) reveals just how outmatched our evolutionary pace is compared to the relentless innovation of technology. We’re constantly reminded that in exchange for free digital services, we’re surrendering something far more valuable than money—our data. That data includes insights not only about ourselves, but about our families, our children, and even our pets, and it’s fed into systems that quickly spiral beyond our control.

Yet, in the same breath, technology offers us ways to reconnect with old friends, find love, or freely express who we are. The tension between these risks and rewards is real, woven into every day.

Navigating Uncertainty in a VUCA World
Given everything that’s happened in the world, you would think we’d adapt and be more optimistic than ever. Yet, uncertainty feels harder to accept, not easier, as the news and social media bombard us with daily reminders of volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity—what’s commonly called VUCA.

With rising VUCA comes more FUD: fear, uncertainty, and doubt. These forces don’t just live outside of us; they invade our workplaces and homes, fueling anxiety, depression, burnout, and even addiction. They erode our sense of safety and leave us overwhelmed, disengaged, and exhausted.

Work environments that lack trust, restrict open communication, or strip away autonomy can make this worse. FUD undermines our energy and happiness, making us less resilient and productive. We start questioning our value and our purpose. Each day can feel like a struggle just to keep going—motivated not by inspiration, but out of necessity.

Rethinking Happiness: Pleasure, Passion, and Purpose
Happiness often feels elusive in this climate. Traditionally, hedonic happiness is associated with fleeting pleasures—moments of comfort, joy, or inspiration. Think of the quick burst of laughter from a funny video or the warmth of a glass of wine at the end of a long day; enjoyable, but short-lived.

Passion offers a more enduring happiness. Athletes hitting the zone or anyone so deeply engaged in what they love that time disappears—this is happiness powered by flow.

But the deepest, most sustainable happiness comes from purpose. It’s the North Star that grounds us and lights the way, persisting even when the fleeting pleasures fade or when passion is hard to summon.

Building Sustainable Happiness
Sustainable happiness is a composite of:
Inherent disposition (what we’re born with),
Hedonic circumstances (how we experience day-to-day emotions), and
Eudaemonistic development (growing toward our fuller selves).

We once believed our happiness “set point” was fixed. Now, research suggests we can increase sustainable happiness by investing in ourselves and our communities.

A higher purpose—whether as an individual, a workplace team, or a company—is about being part of something bigger than ourselves. It’s about pursuing meaning, not just money.

Purpose in Action: Values and Behaviors
Purpose alone isn’t enough. It needs to be translated into daily values and measurable behaviors. This is where many organizations stumble. Values on a website or mission statement mean little without action. The downfall of companies like Enron and Volkswagen show what happens when values aren’t put into practice—costly scandals fueled by a disconnect between stated principles and actual behavior.

By contrast, leaders who genuinely root their organizations in accountable values and behaviors create alignment at every level. This top-down, bottom-up integration builds environments where doing the right thing is the norm—not because it’s easy or lucrative, but because people are held accountable to both each other and the core purpose.

The Personal Connection: Purpose Beyond the Organization
Organizations can set the stage, but real fulfillment comes from connecting the organizational purpose to our own sense of meaning. The heart of sustainability, resilience, and happiness lies within each of us—our values, our passions, our drive to live a life with purpose, and our ability to bring those qualities into everything we do.

In a world where technology outpaces our brain’s ability to adapt, and where uncertainty is the only certainty, real happiness and stability require more than wishful thinking. It takes awareness, intention, and a commitment both at work and within ourselves to stand grounded in values and a purpose that goes far beyond profit or fleeting pleasure.

So, as we navigate the maze of modern life, let’s remember: The true antidote to fear and doubt is not more certainty, but more purpose. And the work of building happiness is never just organizational—it’s deeply, radically personal.

Source : Beyond Happiness: How Authentic Leaders Prioritize Purpose and People for Growth and Impact by Jenn Lim

Goodreads : https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56625103-beyond-happiness