The Move from Chasing Happiness to Cultivating Flourishing

In an effort to further support our mission and serve the needs of the IE community and beyond, we are excited to unveil our new name: The Center for Health & Well-being. 

At the Center, we often teach our students on the importance of innovation, adopting a growth mindset, and adapting in the face of new information and challenges. We understand how beneficial change can be, and we are enthusiastic about embracing this new identity. Also, we are optimistic that this change will foster a greater emphasis on cultivating flourishing and greater well-being in the lives of our students and the wider community.

Why remove ‘happiness’?

The Center was previously known as the Center for Health, Well-being, and Happiness. While happiness is a beautiful emotion, it can be fleeting and dependent on external circumstances. At the Center, we aim to foster sustained health and well-being, recognizing the significance of a comprehensive approach beyond mere temporary and fleeting emotions like happiness. We understand that true well-being encompasses the entirety of our emotional landscape, encompassing our capacity to effectively navigate and bounce back from negative emotions while cultivating and nurturing positive ones.

We believe that focusing on holistic and sustained well-being, using our framework of body, mind, and soul, leads to greater resilience and personal flourishing, even in the face of challenges. As we’ve shared in recent articles and emphasized during events such as ‘Happiness Week’, happiness may come and go, but adopting positive habits and focusing on the pursuit of personal flourishing leads to a longer, healthier, and more fulfilling life. 

What does this change mean?

Our mission remains steadfast—to develop the human skills for flourishing and to support the core IE values in creating a community dedicated to making a positive impact. Our focus lies in equipping individuals with evidence-based tools and resources necessary to develop resilience, emotional intelligence, and an enduring state of contentment in their authentic self that transcends momentary experiences. By fostering a holistic perspective on well-being, we strive to empower individuals to move away from the pursuit of external happiness and instead cultivate a deeper sense of joy and flourishing that supports us even in the face of challenges.

Prioritizing Well-being

We are excited about this new chapter and invite you to join us on this journey of cultivating flourishing at the Center for Health & Well-being at IE. Together, let’s prioritize our well-being, foster meaningful connections, and discover the joy that enriches our lives. Stay tuned for more updates, resources, and events from the Center as we continue to support the well-being and personal growth of our IE community and beyond.

Be well,

The Center for Health & Well-being at IE.