Declan Edwards, founder of the BU Happiness College in Newcastle and host of the podcast How To Be Happy, has dedicated his career to understanding what makes people truly happy. His journey began when he realized he "had no idea how to be happy within myself" in a sustainable way. In his early years, he chased external validation—gambling his sense of happiness on others' opinions, work achievements, relationships, or even "the next holiday."
The five skills for creating happiness
Drawing on a decade of learning and teaching since completing his master's degree in positive psychology, Edwards has identified five core skills that he says are essential for creating happiness rather than chasing it. These skills form the foundation of his new book, which aims to help readers build lasting well-being.
Skill one: Self-awareness
The first skill involves understanding your own thoughts, emotions, and patterns. Edwards emphasizes that without self-awareness, it's impossible to make intentional choices that lead to happiness. He recommends practices like mindfulness and journaling to cultivate this skill.
Skill two: Connection
Edwards highlights the importance of building meaningful relationships. He notes that social connections are a key predictor of happiness, and investing time in nurturing them is crucial. This includes not only close friendships but also a sense of belonging to a community.
Skill three: Purpose
Having a sense of purpose—something that gives your life direction and meaning—is another vital skill. Edwards suggests that purpose doesn't have to be grand; it can be found in everyday activities and contributions that align with your values.
Skill four: Resilience
Resilience, or the ability to bounce back from setbacks, is essential for maintaining happiness over time. Edwards teaches techniques to reframe challenges and build mental toughness, such as cognitive restructuring and gratitude practices.
Skill five: Gratitude
Finally, Edwards emphasizes the power of gratitude. Regularly acknowledging what you're thankful for can shift focus from what's lacking to what's abundant, fostering a more positive outlook. He recommends keeping a gratitude journal or sharing appreciations with others.
From chasing to creating
Edwards' approach marks a shift from the common pursuit of happiness through external achievements to an internal, skill-based practice. "We often think happiness is something we find, but it's actually something we build," he explains. By mastering these five skills, individuals can create a stable foundation of well-being that isn't dependent on circumstances.
His book offers practical exercises and real-life examples to guide readers in developing each skill. Edwards hopes that by sharing his own struggles and insights, others can avoid the same pitfalls he encountered. "I spent years chasing a version of happiness that wasn't mine," he recalls. "Now I know that true happiness comes from within."
