The Paradox of Happiness
Mindset Monday
Takeaway: Happiness is a consequence of working toward a goal, not the goal itself.
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Author Nathaniel Hawthorne once wrote,
“Happiness is a butterfly, which, when pursued, is always just beyond your grasp, but which, if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you.”
If you’re familiar with my other articles, you’ve likely seen this one about defining your happiness. In this work, I discuss happiness as a process of overcoming and becoming.
Happiness is not some state of enlightenment that we chase, otherwise, as the butterfly above, it will always seem to elude us. Like trying to hold water.
Happiness is not a goal, it’s a consequence.
As you work toward achieving the goals that you find meaningful, as you build toward your purpose—as defined only by you—happiness will eventually appear and sit beside you.
And once happiness arrives it may not stay for long. No friend can remain permanently by your side. But every now and then, at the sight of a beautiful sunset, on the park bench watching your kids play, or in a quiet moment all your own, it will return and you’ll greet each other as old friends do.
~ Coach Alex