The Hustle For Happiness

“Things which matter most must never be at the mercy of things which matter least.” — Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

My natural tendency when things get tough is to put my head down and work harder and faster. I’ve done this for so long that I don’t even realize that I am doing it sometimes. I grew up prioritizing goals and productivity. I would reach for the next rung on the ladder without questioning where I was trying to go or why. I lived for the future, believing that I could sacrifice today to arrive at happiness and rest after achieving everything on my to-do list.

What I used to think:

Hard work → External achievements → More security → Less struggle → More comfort → Arrive at happiness → Feel at peace → I can rest.

It’s only recently that I’ve paused enough to consider the trade-off — that I was missing out on the joy of the present moment.

What I’m still learning:

My energy is finite. If I give my energy too freely, then little is left for me or for the people or things that matter most to me at the end of the day.

It’s only in slowing down (especially during this pandemic) that I’ve learned how to stay present and experience joy.

What I’ve learned:

I am more content now than I’ve ever been because of the following lessons:

Happiness is a chosen path and not a destination. There is no hustle for happiness.

Peace comes from within.

What does happiness mean to you?

In what area could you enjoy the process more?