Happiness: Stop Chasing it and Find it Within
The Pursuit of Happiness
Happiness. I think it’s safe to say that most if not all people are pursuing happiness in life. Everyone’s definition of happiness is different. It seems though, that most people place their happiness on conditions and external factors.
“If I had 1 million dollars, I’d be happy.”
“If I could have this girlfriend/boyfriend, I’d be happy”
“If I could just have that dream car, I’d be so happy.”
“If I could just experience this thrilling event, I’d find happiness.”
I hate to break it to you, but as nice as those external actors may sound, they likely will not bring you long lasting happiness. That’s not to say that you can’t enjoy money, a wonderful relationship, nice material items, or fun experiences. The issue is you cannot chase happiness in external factors. You may get temporary happiness or a high from those external factors. However, those external factors will not and cannot make you happy long term until you find happiness within you. Recently this thought has really been on my mind. So much so, that I needed to write about it.
Money Doesn’t Buy Happiness
We have all heard about rich, famous celebrities who seem to have it all. They have the riches and the fancy things. They have people obsessing over them. Later, you find out in a TV special that they are depressed, abusing drugs, or unfortunately in some cases, even committing suicide. You start to think, “They were rich though. They had it all.” This just proves that money, material items, chasing women/men, and fun experiences does not equal lifelong happiness.
On the flip side, there are people who live below the poverty line and have little to nothing, yet live a happy life. How can that be? How can you struggle and lack, but be happy. In fact, often times those people can be super grateful and humble. They find the silver lining amongst dark clouds.
How can any of this be?
The difference is in the latter example, those people have found happiness within. Of course they are facing hardships, but because they have found happiness within, they are able to pursue long term happiness. When those people do experience the money, the amazing relationships, the material items, and the fun moments in life, they can experience authentic happiness.
The Grass Isn’t Always Greener
It is so important to realize that if you cannot find happiness within yourself first, those external factors will not make you happy either. You will just chase the next thing that you THINK will get you to happiness without success. It’s like getting a hit of that feeling, but it will not be long lasting. Want that feeling to last?
Pursue happiness internally.
I’m sure you have heard:
The grass isn’t always greener on the other side, it’s green where you water it.
This is so true. Instead of looking externally for things and conditions that sound like they will bring you happiness right now, look within. Focus on YOU and that will bring you everlasting happiness no matter the circumstances in your life.
Work on yourself and your mindset. Improve yourself overall. Maybe that includes exercising, setting (and achieving) goals, building your confidence, consuming content that will help you learn and grow, and becoming the best version of you.
This is when you will find pure authentic long term happiness. All those other external factors will then just add on to your happiness.
The girls/boys you chase, the wild adrenaline rush moments, the money, the fancy toys can all be lost in a moment. If you have the true joy that comes from within, you will be able to make it through practically anything in life. I choose to bring myself joy as I know that is what will help me live a more fulfilled life.
