Research by Matt Killingsworth of Harvard indicates that we are happiest when we are not actively seeking happiness but are wrapt in the moment. Happiness is a mode of being, not a mode of seeking. The moment we say we are happy we are distancing and isolating ourselves from the experience by the very act of observing, and if we were wrapt in musical ecstasy before now the experience is no longer ecstatic. The bubble is burst.
Sounds like Schrodingers Cat: the act of observing changes the situation.
People seem to have a natural happiness baseline to which they return after a sad or an exciting experience. A new fancy sorts car does not budge the baseline.
Actively seeking out happiness is never as effective as just living the best life you can, in my experience anyway. If you lead a good, happy life, happiness will come naturally, provided your expectations aren’t too high.