For decades, society has promoted a simple belief:
Success brings joy.
Work harder. Achieve more. Then you’ll feel good.
But emerging research in positive psychology suggests the relationship may actually work in the opposite direction.
Joy doesn’t just follow success.
In many cases, joy helps create it.
The Science of Joy and Brain Performance
Researchers studying human performance have found that positive emotional states significantly affect cognitive functioning.
When people experience emotions like joy, gratitude, or curiosity, their brains release neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin. These chemicals improve several key mental processes, including:
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Learning and memory
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Creative thinking
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Problem-solving ability
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Decision making
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Collaboration
Studies suggest individuals working in positive emotional states may experience productivity improvements of up to 31% compared with those operating in neutral or negative states.
Joy literally helps the brain perform better.
Why Success Doesn’t Automatically Create Joy
Many people believe achieving a goal will finally bring lasting fulfillment.
But psychologists have identified a pattern known as hedonic adaptation.
Humans quickly adapt to new circumstances - even positive ones.
A promotion, raise, or milestone that initially feels exciting soon becomes normal. Once that happens, the brain begins chasing the next goal.
This creates a cycle where joy is always postponed:
“I’ll be happy when…”
“I’ll relax after…”
“I’ll enjoy life once…”
But the finish line keeps moving.
The Brain in Survival Mode vs Growth Mode
When people feel stress, pressure, or threat, the brain enters a survival state.
In this mode, thinking narrows.
Attention focuses on immediate risks rather than creative possibilities.
This response evolved to help humans avoid danger, but it also limits innovation and strategic thinking.
Joy, on the other hand, signals safety and possibility.
When people feel positive emotions, their thinking broadens. Psychologists refer to this as the broaden-and-build effect - a concept within positive psychology that describes how positive emotions expand awareness and encourage new ideas and solutions.
Joy literally widens perspective.
Three Ways to Cultivate the Joy Advantage
Joy is not just an emotional reaction. It can also be an intentional practice.
Here are three evidence-supported ways to cultivate it:
1. Practice Gratitude Daily
Writing down three things you’re grateful for can gradually train the brain to notice positive experiences more consistently.
2. Recognize Small Wins
Acknowledging incremental progress activates the brain’s reward system, reinforcing motivation.
3. Prioritize Meaningful Relationships
Long-term studies show strong relationships are one of the most powerful predictors of well-being and life satisfaction.
Joy Is a Competitive Advantage
Rather than treating joy as a reward for success, research suggests it may be more helpful to treat joy as a foundation.
When we cultivate joy intentionally, we improve our mental flexibility, creativity, resilience, and overall performance.
Success doesn’t have to come first.
Sometimes joy is the very thing that helps us reach it.