Some will say it’s that state of inner peace while you meditate by the sea. Others will argue it’s the sparkle in your eyes when you close that deal you’ve been chasing for months. The truth is, there’s no magic formula or one-size-fits-all recipe. Why? Because happiness is personal, unique, and, let’s be honest, sometimes very elusive. So, join me in exploring what happiness really means for you and how you can cultivate it.
Is happiness a state or a choice?
First, let’s lay the cards on the table. Some see happiness as a natural state, something that just happens when the stars align, and everything goes right. But there are also those who believe happiness is a conscious choice. And yes, this is where it gets interesting. Because choosing to be happy means taking responsibility, taking action, and sometimes stepping out of your comfort zone to build the life you truly want to live.
The 3 Pillars of Personal Happiness: Purpose, Passion, and Progress
Let’s break it down a bit further. From my experience working with hundreds of people in seminars, consulting, and coaching sessions, I’ve found that happiness is built on three fundamental pillars:
- Purpose: Without a clear purpose, we’re adrift. No matter how much money you make or how many awards you have on your shelf, if you don’t know why you get up every morning, you’re losing the game. Find that “why” that makes you resonate. It could be helping others, building a business from scratch, or simply living a life with less stress and more joy.
- Passion: Passion is the fuel of happiness. Without it, purpose is just an abstract idea. Find what makes you lose track of time, what makes you feel alive. It doesn’t have to be something grand or spectacular, just something that makes you feel like you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be.
- Progress: Nothing kills happiness faster than stagnation. Happiness isn’t a destination; it’s a journey. And like any journey, it involves moving forward. How do you progress? By learning, growing, and taking risks. If you feel stuck, shift a piece, take a step, do something—anything—but don’t stay still.
Happiness is Not a Goal, It’s a Process
Here’s where many go wrong: they search for happiness as if it were a hidden treasure somewhere in the world. But happiness isn’t a final destination, it’s not something you “achieve” and then you’re done! Instead, it’s a process, a series of daily decisions, habits, and actions you take to move closer to what truly matters to you.
3 Practical Strategies to Cultivate Your Happiness:
- Disconnect to Reconnect: How many times have you found yourself trapped in an endless cycle of notifications, emails, and meetings? Disconnecting from digital noise allows you to reconnect with yourself and what truly matters to you.
- Invest in Experiences, Not Things: Science backs it up: spending money on experiences—such as travel, courses, and activities—generates more happiness than investing in material goods. Experiences enrich your life, help you grow, and create lasting memories.
- Surround Yourself with People Who Add Value, Not Subtract: This is crucial. The people around you directly impact your happiness. If you’re surrounded by those who inspire you, challenge you, and support you, you’ll feel more motivated and happier. And if not, well, you know what you need to do.
Conclusion: Happiness is Your Responsibility
Happiness is yours, and only yours. It doesn’t depend on others, external circumstances, or having the latest phone or the most prestigious job. It depends on the decisions you make every day, how you choose to face challenges, and how you choose to view the world. So, stop searching outside for what you already have within. And remember, it’s not about being happy all the time—that would be exhausting—but about building a life where, despite the ups and downs, you find enough reasons to smile.
