When people fantasize about going on vacation, they often picture themselves on a beach somewhere, probably with a cocktail in hand, enjoying the sunshine as the waves roll over their feet. They want to relax without feeling compelled to do anything stress-inducing while spending time with loved ones.

It’s not a bad thing to fantasize about; however, a landmark scientific study in the 1980s by Hungarian-American psychologist and author Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi found that people aren’t happiest while relaxing, whether on a beach, in front of a TV, or on their patio with a cup of coffee. In fact, we are happiest when focused on a task that takes us out of our comfort zone. 

When are people the happiest?

“The best moments in our lives are not the passive, receptive,........

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