What are the top five things that make people happy? Power and influence? Or perhaps money and fame? Or what about good looks and sporting ability?

Last month, the World Happiness Report 2024 was released. It showed that the happiest countries in the world are Nordic: Finland, Denmark, Iceland and Sweden. But it also showed several countries in Eastern Europe rising up the ranks, thanks to the happiness of people under 30.

What has caused this rise in contentment among young people? Studies of the countries in question - Romania, Lithuania and the Czech Republic - found several things in common. The citizens of all three countries have new educational and economic opportunities thanks to European integration. But they also have access to nature, a good work-life balance, and plenty of time for friends, family and the outdoors.¹

These findings support the theory of happiness proposed by the influential Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung. In 1960, a journalist asked Jung the basic requirements for a happy life. He replied with five key pillars:

First, good mental and physical health. Second, strong relationships with family and friends. Third, the ability to see beauty in art and nature. Fourth, a decent standard of living and meaningful work. Fifth, a religious or philosophical worldview that helps when times are tough.

These days, there is a growing amount of scientific research suggesting Jung was right. For example, the Harvard Study of Adult Development - the longest-running study of human happiness in history - found that having fulfilling relationships with friends and partners is just as important for wellbeing as exercise, healthy eating, and not smoking.² According to the director of the project, Marc Schulz, "Good relationships keep us happier and healthier."

However, some people think Jung's list was missing a few important items. For example, scientists studying the levels of happiness in Nordic countries point out that they have high amounts of trust - known as social cohesion - as well as good public services and low levels of inequality between the top and bottom of society.³ In other words, it's much easier to be happy when you live in a just and equal country.

Of course, not everyone lives in the Nordic region. But there are still things we can do to make ourselves happier. One of the most important is recognising that pursuing happiness as a goal rarely works. Instead, we should aim for "happierness".

"Happierness" is the idea that contentment comes from constantly making small improvements in our lives. The word was coined by the celebrated TV host Oprah Winfrey in her book Build the Life You Want. We should aim to regularly move forward in our relationships with friends and family, our work and our religious or philosophical outlook.

According to Arthur C Brooks, the co-author of the book, "Happiness is not a destination. It's a direction." So, even if total happiness is impossible, "happierness" is something we can all achieve.

Do these goals still work today?

Yes: Modern research on how to be happy has shown that Carl Jung was right. We all need to focus on health, social connections, and time spent in nature.

No: The happiest countries in the world have strong societies with good public services and high levels of trust. If we want to be happier, our emphasis must be to make society more equal.

Or... Complete happiness is impossible. But, if we try to make progress with friends, family, work and our outlook on the world, we can all be happier in our lives.