Why being happy is a choice.
We often attach our happiness to the future obtainment of a material possession. We tell ourselves ‘I’ll be happy once I earn X amount/once my apartment overlooks the ocean/once I’ve there’s a Ferrari in my garage,’ But once we obtain it, we’re disappointed. And instead of realizing the flaw in our outlook and reframing our perspective, we continue the cycle of happiness-chasing, attaching it to something greater. ‘I’ll be happy once I double my earnings/once my mansion overlooks the ocean/once I have a different luxury car for every day of the week.’
There are 2 main problems with happiness-chasing:
Being happy is as simple as acknowledging the good you already have. If you do it right now, you probably won’t feel it straight away, but give it time. With regular practice, it manifests into a general sense of contentment and joy.
Psychologists have conclusively determined that ‘counting our blessings’ enhances feelings of gratitude, optimism and life satisfaction.
Aspiring to achieve greatness is a noble feat, but unless you can acknowledge that which is already great, you’ll never truly be happy.
What’s more, gratitude in the present creates a happiness reserve, readying you for the inevitable hard days ahead.