We are taught from a young age that achieving specific milestones of success — getting good grades, getting into a great college, having a prestigious career, having a certain amount of money saved, living in the right house or neighborhood, marrying the right person, having talented or well-behaved kids, etc. — will make us happy. The truth is that none of these things have anything to do with happiness.
Happiness versus Happy Moments
What happens when you reach a big goal of yours? Do you feel really happy? Elated, even? For how long? I mean, how long do you maintain that elevated feeling of euphoria after you reach a big goal? For most of us, the answer is “not long.” Perhaps a day, a week, or even a month or more. What happens, exactly, when that feeling fades? It is not that you are less pleased to have reached the goal. It is not even that the goal loses some of its meaning. It’s merely that part of the joy is in achieving something, and once the moment of achievement passes, we are looking for the next goal, the next achievement.
In other words, we seldom spend time basking in the satisfaction of what we have achieved. We set another goal, and then the next and the next. Sometimes it may feel that you will just be happy “when...” And then when that condition is met, well, you’re not really all that happy, at least not for long. You start looking for the next goal to pursue. This is a false definition of happiness that depends on a never-ending string of achievements. We can even pursue achievements that have little long-term meaning, like many material pursuits, and have that momentary sense of achievement, without lasting happiness-
LHJ.
Have a great day!!
