What makes us truly happy? It’s a complex question without a single answer, largely influenced by our mindset. Happiness seems more natural for some than others, but let’s try to define it in just one word. What would your one-word definition of happiness be?
For me, the word is “progress.” It’s not about money, health, success, or even family. You could have a loving family, but what if your health is failing? Are you still happy? Consider a cancer patient who overcomes their illness; their joy in that victory could surpass any routine happiness because they’ve made progress.
The tricky thing about progress is that it becomes increasingly difficult to achieve over time. For instance, if you’re a publisher, consider your website’s Alexa ranking. Initially, you might see huge leaps in improvement, but as you progress, these improvements often slow down, and it can become less engaging to track.
Another perspective ties happiness to work. A mailroom worker who gets promoted feels a rush of happiness, likely more so than someone who’s been at the top for years. Over time, the newcomer’s joy in their work might consistently outshine that of their seasoned counterparts.
So, what do we do when progress stalls and we hit a brick wall? According to Randy Pausch’s Last Lecture, brick walls aren’t there to stop us but to show how much we want something. They are meant to block those who don’t want it enough, not those who do. I’m ready to scale that brick wall to see what’s on the other side. Are you?
If independence is your ultimate happiness, then focusing on improving your personal finances could be key. Increasing your income, saving more, and exploring passive income opportunities are all ways to enhance your financial independence and, potentially, your happiness.
Remember, understanding what happiness means to you is crucial, and sometimes, it’s encapsulated in just one word. What’s yours?
