“Human happiness is generally not achieved by great strokes of luck, which may occur rarely, but by small things that happen every day.”
Benjamin Franklin
In the last two columns we discussed the issue of harmonizing work and happiness, something that is sometimes seen as a very difficult, almost impossible goal. We also reflected on how to apply strategic planning to personal life, thinking that, perhaps, by planning and executing, it is possible to find happiness. Could it be that this is the purpose of most people? I firmly believe so, because, deep down, we all seek a full, meaningful and satisfying life.
Happiness is perceived as the ideal state in which our emotional, psychological and spiritual needs are in balance. In many ways, its search is related to human nature: it is a reflection of our desire for well-being, to feel valued, loved and at peace with ourselves and with the environment.
However, finding happiness is difficult for several reasons. First, because we tend to confuse it with external or material goals: achieving professional success, obtaining wealth or meeting certain social standards. But these things, while they may provide temporary satisfaction, do not guarantee lasting happiness. Furthermore, we live in a society where stress, expectations and constant comparisons with others distance us from our own essence, making it difficult for us to connect with what really makes us happy.
Another challenge is that many people see happiness as a destination, a final state that will be reached when certain conditions are met. This fixed vision can lead to frustration, as life is unpredictable and full of change. Happiness is not a permanent state, but a process; a series of moments, and your constant search could become an obstacle in itself.
To achieve happiness, instead of seeking it as an end goal, it is important to understand that it is rather a route. Here are some steps that can help on this path:
1. Self-knowledge: Knowing who we are and what our values, our desires and our real needs are helps us make decisions aligned with our essence. The more we understand what moves us internally, the easier it is to find satisfaction in our daily lives.
2. Live in the present: Happiness lies largely in the present, in enjoying the small moments. Instead of focusing on what we lack or what we “should” achieve, practice gratitude for what we have and the mindfulness can increase our sense of well-being.
3. Accept imperfection: Life is full of ups and downs and it is impossible to be happy all the time. Accepting our negative emotions and learning to manage them is key to a balanced life.
4. Build meaningful relationships: Connection with others is one of the greatest sources of happiness, as proven by the Study on adult developmentfrom Harvard¹. Maintaining deep relationships, based on mutual support, respect and love, gives us a sense of belonging and purpose.
5. Personal growth: Happiness also comes from progress, from feeling like we are moving forward in life. Learning new things, overcoming challenges, and working on our personal goals gives us a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.
In short, happiness is not a place to reach, but a way of living. It is a path that is built every day, accepting the imperfection of life, valuing the present and cultivating relationships and experiences that connect us with ourselves and with others. Understanding this allows us to stop pursuing happiness as an unattainable ideal and start living in a more full and authentic way.
¹ For 86 years, Harvard University has conducted the longest-running scientific study on happiness in history. The call Study on adult development It began in 1938 with about 700 teenagers. Some were Harvard students, others lived in the poorest neighborhoods of Boston. The research accompanied them throughout their lives, periodically monitoring their joys and difficulties, their physical, mental and emotional state. And now it also includes the partners and descendants of the original participants. The biggest finding is that people who had warmer relationships were happier, not necessarily those with higher incomes. Additionally, they remained physically healthier as they aged. It can be consulted at: “Harvard Study of Adult Development”, The Harvard Gazette, April 11, 2017.
