For most of my life, I thought happiness was something to chase—a destination I could eventually reach if I worked hard enough, achieved enough, and crossed off enough of the “to-do” lists. But over time, I realised something that completely shifted my mindset: happiness isn’t a goal—it’s a by-product of living fully in the present.
The Never-Ending Chase
I spent years setting milestones in my mind—if I had a successful blog, a better car, a bigger house, then I’d be happy. But even when I ticked these boxes, the feeling of satisfaction was fleeting. I’d reach one milestone only to move the goalposts and focus on the next one. It was exhausting.
The Shift in Perspective
One day, I had an epiphany: happiness isn’t something you catch, it’s something you experience. It’s in the moments of joy, the small wins, the time spent with loved ones, and even the quiet, calm days where nothing extraordinary happens. I stopped thinking happiness was something to be “earned” and started appreciating the little things in life.
Embracing the Present
Instead of constantly waiting for the “perfect moment” to feel happy, I learned to live in the moment. Whether it’s enjoying a cup of coffee in the morning or going for a walk in the park, I realised that happiness isn’t dependent on some big, life-changing event. It’s about how you choose to live every day, with gratitude and openness.
The Lesson
I’m not saying I’ve completely let go of ambition—I still set goals and work hard. But I’ve learned that true happiness isn’t tied to a destination. It’s about how you experience the journey. By focusing less on “getting there” and more on “being here,” I’ve found a deeper sense of contentment.
So, if you’re constantly chasing happiness, take a step back. Maybe the key isn’t to run faster but to slow down and enjoy the ride.
