avatarAda LLoyd

Summary

The article emphasizes that happiness is a conscious choice and a way of life rather than an end goal determined by external circumstances.

Abstract

The article "Is Happiness Your Chosen Method Of Life Now?" posits that happiness is not a distant destination but a daily practice. It suggests that people often delay their happiness by tying it to future achievements or financial milestones, which can lead to a cycle of dissatisfaction. Instead, the author advocates for making the decision to be happy each day, focusing on gratitude, nurturing the soul, and setting achievable goals. The text outlines a method for living happily that includes a good night's sleep, inspiration, and an action plan aligned with personal definitions of success. It also introduces "The 7 Pillars of a Happy & Successful Life" as a foundational guide for readers to define success in key areas of life and weave them together for overall well-being. The article concludes by reinforcing the idea that happiness is a result of our daily choices and encourages self-reflection and accountability.

Opinions

  • The author, Burton Hills, is quoted saying "Happiness is not a destination. It is a method of life," indicating that happiness should be pursued as a way of being rather than an end state.
  • The article criticizes the common practice of postponing happiness until certain conditions are met, such as reaching a specific income level, suggesting that this mindset is flawed and leads to perpetual discontent.
  • It is highlighted that even when financial goals are achieved, factors like taxes and increased expectations can diminish the anticipated happiness, reinforcing the idea that happiness is not tied to wealth.
  • The article promotes the importance of daily routines and mindfulness practices, such as gratitude and meditation, as integral to choosing happiness.
  • It encourages readers to take control of their happiness by making intentional choices, such as finding joy in work, focusing on positive aspects, managing time wisely, practicing self-compassion, and living within their means.
  • The author emphasizes personal accountability at the end of each day, evaluating whether one has adhered to their action plan and the promises made to themselves.
  • The article offers additional resources, "The 7 Pillars of a Happy & Successful Life" and "The Beginner’s Guide to You — The Personal Pillar," to assist readers in understanding themselves better and overcoming emotional barriers to happiness.

Is Happiness Your Chosen Method Of Life Now?

Is happiness really a choice?

Photo by Joice Kelly on Unsplash

“Happiness is not a destination. It is a method of life.” Burton Hills

Have you ever thought “I will be happy when….?”

That is making your happiness a destination.

That is abdicating your power to choose happiness.

So often when we make happiness a destination, even when we get there we find it is not enough, we are still not happy.

For example, a recent college graduate making 50K per year might say; “I will be happy when I’m making 100K per year.” The expectation is that at that point they will have financial freedom.

Are few years down the road they are making 100K and they are still not happy because they hadn’t anticipated

  • the amount of federal income tax that is deducted
  • the amount of state income tax that is deducted
  • FICA and other payroll taxes
  • the cost of health insurance
  • increased expectations

Along the way, they see others buying the house they covet, or the car or the vacation they feel entitled to. They revise their destination. Now they decide they will be happy earning 150K, 200K, 250K, or whatever. They will always be chasing a destination, but it will never be enough to make them happy.

Happiness will never be about a destination. It will always be a choice. A choice that is made every day. It is truly a method of living. A few components of those daily choices might include (and they will be different for everyone but these tend to be universal)

  • get a good night’s sleep and arise energized with the prospect of the day ahead.
  • focus on gratitude the first thing
  • Nurture your soul through inspiration, prayer, meditation, or something similar that works for you
  • Make the decision to be happy, even if it is just for today.
  • Create an action plan for the day that will move you towards carefully chosen long-term goals -Your Unique Definition of Success will give you clarity about this.

The 7 Pillars of a Happy and Successful Life will help you create Your Unique Definition of Success

  • Find joy and satisfaction in your work (if this doesn’t seem possible start researching alternatives)
  • Focus on silver linings not on clouds as you move through your day
  • Don’t overschedule yourself. Time is your most limited resource. Use it wisely.
  • Have compassion for yourself and those around you (this is definitely not the same as rationalization)
  • Live on less than you earn. Wants are not needs and wants will always exceed resources.
  • At the end of the day be accountable to yourself for the choices you have made. Did you keep the promises you made yourself this morning when you created your action plan?
  • Go to bed free of distractions and in a timely way so you can get a good night's sleep.

Happiness is a choice. It is never a destination It is the product of our decisions.

Bonus

Are you ready to learn more about who you are and what will help you untangle emotions from past experiences that are standing between you and your happiness? If that is you then The Beginner’s Guide to You — The Personal Pillar is just what you have been looking for

Self Improvement
Personal Development
Happiness
Goals
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