One of the things I love to do every day is cheer on my friends. I cheer them on via text, via email, on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram, and I call them and cheer for them. And today, I learned a new word to describe that: freudenfreude.

Freudenfreude is a German term that refers to the joy one experiences when they see someone else succeed. The term literally translates to "joy of joy" and refers to the feeling of happiness that arises when we see others succeed, particularly those whom we care about.

Now you might be familiar with the term “schadenfreude” which is the joy in others misfortune, and maybe you’ve practiced that a time or two. But why not flip that around and practice freudenfreude, the joy in others joy?

Photo by Ketut Subiyanto from Pexels

What is freudenfreude?

The concept of freudenfreude is one that has been around for centuries and has been studied by psychologists and sociologists for decades. It has been found that experiencing freudenfreude can have a profound impact on one's overall well-being and can lead to increased happiness and satisfaction with life.

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So why is it that we find happiness in the success of others?

One reason is that it creates a sense of connectedness and belonging. When we see someone we care about succeed, it can create a feeling of shared joy and can strengthen our relationships with them. This can be especially true for close friends or family members, as their success can be seen as a reflection of our own success.

In addition to fostering a sense of connectedness, freudenfreude can also promote a sense of community. When we see others succeed, we are reminded that we are part of a larger group of people working towards similar goals and aspirations. This can be especially true in the workplace, where seeing our colleagues succeed can inspire us to work harder and do better ourselves. I find this works for me in the associations I’m part of too, and in the online groups I love the most.

Want to feel more confident?

Freudenfreude can make us happier is that it can boost our own confidence and self-esteem. When we see others succeed, we are reminded that success is possible and that we too can achieve our goals. This can help to dispel negative self-talk and increase our own motivation and determination.

Furthermore, freudenfreude can also help us to cultivate a growth mindset. This is the belief that our abilities and potential can be developed through hard work and dedication. When we see others succeed, it reinforces the idea that success is not just a matter of luck or chance, but rather a result of hard work and perseverance. This can inspire us to put in the effort necessary to reach our own goals and aspirations.

The downside of freudenfreude

It is important to note that while freudenfreude can have many benefits, it can also lead to feelings of jealousy and resentment if not experienced in the right way. For example, if we see someone else succeed and feel envious or resentful, this can have a negative impact on our well-being and can even lead to feelings of anger or bitterness.

To avoid these negative feelings, it is important to approach freudenfreude with a positive and supportive mindset. This means focusing on the joy and happiness that comes from seeing others succeed, rather than comparing ourselves to others or feeling envious.

In conclusion, freudenfreude – the joy of joy – is a powerful and positive force that can have a profound impact on our overall well-being. When we see others succeed, it can create a sense of connectedness, boost our confidence and self-esteem, and help us feel happier ourselves.

These seem like good enough reasons for me to keep practicing freudenfreude every day. What do you think?

Happy AF with Phil Gerbyshak

The Joy of Joy: Understanding Freudenfreude