Break that Pursuit of Happiness
Have you ever reached a life stage when you questioned about your existence and the meaning of life? What purpose are we here to serve?
These introspective questions can pivot you to reflect deeper.
What brings you happiness?
One day, while I was on the way home with a mentor, he asked me,
“What do you enjoy doing most that brings you happiness?”
I paused and reflected upon his question. Another question surfaced,
“I know what I enjoy doing. But am I intentionally creating joy by doing things that I enjoy daily?”
I responded, “I noticed that most people are too engaged with work. Working beyond the usual work hours has become a norm, and how often do we have the luxury of time to pursue what we enjoy?”
The endless pursuit of happiness
Setting aside the societal norm of success, such as climbing the corporate ladder, setting up a family, getting a house, and saving your first million for retirement, what is next?
We ended up hitting checklist after checklist. The happiness becomes short-lived because we perpetually eye at the next goal and feel that we will be happier after hitting the next goal.
Temporal happiness
We often live in the state of lack when we are pursuing happiness. As such, we fail to live with true contentment with what we already have at the present moment.
“I will be happier if I have hit my promotion; I will be happier if I have hit my next salary bracket; I will be happier if I am slimmer and stronger; I will be happier if I have a loving relationship; I will be happier if I have hit my next relationship milestone; I will be happier if I have my first million saving,” and the list goes on and on. Does this sound familiar to you?
What if we set of goals based on emotions?
A dear friend shared a podcast from Litolab regarding goal settings. Instead of setting material goals, emotional goals will put us in a healthier state of mind and success.
- Some people may aim to achieve an ideal body weight to feel more confident, empowered and healthier, which bring them happiness.
- Some people may aim for career progression to feel more appreciated or recognised, which bring them happiness.
- Some people may crave for relationships to feel loved or needed, which bring them happiness.
The ultimate result of attaining those goals is to bring us closer to happiness. However, it will take us on a long journey to hit the goal before we feel happy.
What if we set emotional goals such that every decision aligns to our authentic intention that will bring us joy? Example,
- I feel happy when I am balanced and healthy. Therefore, I only consume food that nourishes and fuels my body everyday.
- I feel happy when I am appreciated and recognised. Therefore, I start a daily gratitude journal to record the milestones that I’ve achieved or hang out with people that bring out the best in me.
- I feel happy when I feel loved. Therefore, I intentionally set time off for self care or attending a recharging yoga session.
Set free of your emotions. Let go of those endless pursuit of goals.
- How do you want to FEEL in the following areas of your life (spiritual, family, relationship, health and work)?
- What will you do TODAY to feel right everyday?
