Is Happiness a Goal Worth Chasing?
Is happiness a goal worth chasing? Yes and no. First, it is necessary to define what we mean by “chasing”.
If we define chasing as the pursuit of external markers of success and validation, the answer is no.
This kind of chasing often leads to a cycle of temporary satisfaction and ongoing dissatisfaction.
However, if we understand happiness as an intrinsic state and focus on reconnecting with our innate joy, then the answer is yes, and the pursuit of happiness becomes a meaningful and worthwhile endeavor.
By shifting our focus from external achievements to internal well-being, we can rediscover the natural happiness that resides within us. This approach allows us to lead more fulfilling and content lives, anchored in the realization that true happiness comes from within.
Therefore, happiness is indeed worth pursuing—but not as an external chase, but rather as an internal reconnection with our intrinsic state of being.
Key Takeaways
- The Paradox of Chasing Happiness: Constantly striving for happiness can make it feel unattainable. Setting happiness as a distant goal often leads to high expectations and subsequent disappointment, creating a cycle where happiness remains perpetually out of reach.
- Internal vs. External Sources of Happiness: Focusing on internal sources of happiness, such as self-acceptance, gratitude, and mindfulness, can lead to more sustainable well-being. In contrast, relying on external achievements and material gains often results in temporary satisfaction and ongoing dissatisfaction.
- Alternative Paths to Joy: Instead of chasing happiness directly, engaging in meaningful activities, fostering relationships, and pursuing intrinsic goals can naturally lead to a deeper and more enduring sense of happiness. By living in the present and aligning actions with core values, happiness becomes a byproduct of a well-lived life.
Ultimate Goal vs Futile Attempt
The pursuit of happiness is a common goal for many people, but the ways in which we chase it can significantly impact whether we actually achieve it.
Setting happiness as an external objective might inadvertently place it out of reach.
Let’s take a look at happiness from three different perspectives.
1. Happiness Is the Primary Goal in Life
Many people (including me) argue that happiness is the ultimate goal in life.
This perspective suggests that striving for happiness leads to a more fulfilling and enjoyable life. Positive emotions like joy and contentment can improve mental and physical health, strengthen relationships, and increase productivity and creativity.
There’s research supporting this:
- Psychological research shows that happy people tend to live longer, healthier lives.
- Happiness can foster resilience, helping individuals better cope with stress and adversity.
- Pursuing happiness can encourage individuals to set and achieve personal goals, contributing to a sense of purpose.
- Happy people have higher incomes than unhappy people and tend to achieve their goals.
In essence, you first must learn how to be happy, then you can create a life full of the things you always wanted (and thought you needed for happiness)
2. Happiness Remains always out of reach
Others argue that constantly chasing happiness is futile due to the hedonic treadmill effect, where people quickly return to a stable level of happiness despite major positive or negative events.
This viewpoint suggests that focusing solely on happiness can lead to a cycle of temporary satisfaction and subsequent dissatisfaction.
Supporting Points:
- Studies indicate that people often adapt to changes in circumstances (the hedonic treadmill effect), making long-term happiness elusive.
- The relentless pursuit of happiness can lead to disappointment and stress when expectations are not met.
This viewpoint encourages focusing on personal growth and experiences rather than chasing fleeting emotions.
3. Happiness Is a Byproduct of Your Life Choices
Some believe that happiness should not be a direct goal but rather a byproduct of living a meaningful and purposeful life.
According to this perspective, focusing on values, relationships, and contributions to society leads to genuine and lasting happiness.
Supporting Points:
- Engaging in meaningful activities and helping others can provide a deeper sense of satisfaction.
- Relationships and connections with others are often cited as significant sources of happiness.
- Purpose-driven individuals may experience a sense of fulfillment that transcends momentary happiness.
The Paradox of Pursuing Happiness
The key is to change your perspective on happiness from the external to the internal.
When happiness is treated as an external objective, it can lead to a sense of perpetual dissatisfaction.
By constantly chasing happiness, it remains just out of reach, akin to a carrot on a stick.
This paradox suggests that the more we focus on trying to get happy, the more elusive it becomes.
Psychological Mechanisms:
1. Expectation and Disappointment:
- Setting happiness as a goal often involves high expectations. When reality doesn’t meet these expectations, it can lead to disappointment and frustration, making happiness seem even more distant.
- For example, if you expect that achieving a certain milestone (like getting a promotion or buying a new house) will bring lasting happiness, you may feel let down when the initial excitement fades and you find yourself still yearning for more.
2. External vs. Internal Happiness:
- This perspective highlights the difference between seeking happiness from external sources (such as material possessions, achievements, or status) versus cultivating internal contentment (such as self-acceptance, gratitude, and mindfulness).
- When happiness is seen as something to be acquired rather than something to be experienced in the present moment, it tends to slip away, leading to a cycle of chasing and dissatisfaction.
3. The “Arrival Fallacy”:
- The arrival fallacy is the belief that once we reach a certain destination or achieve a particular goal, we will be happy. However, research shows that people quickly adapt to new circumstances, and the anticipated happiness often doesn’t last long.
- This fallacy means that once you achieve one goal, you might immediately set another, perpetuating a cycle where happiness is always one step ahead.
My Argument: Happiness Is Your Natural State of Being
Happiness, often perceived as an elusive goal, is actually an intrinsic state of being that we are born with.
Observing the natural joyfulness in children, it’s evident that happiness is a fundamental part of our human experience.
However, as we grow older, this innate happiness tends to get buried under the weight of societal expectations and external pressures.
The Innate Happiness of Childhood
Children exemplify pure, unadulterated happiness.
Their joy is spontaneous, stemming from simple pleasures and the present moment.
This natural state of happiness is untainted by the complexities of adult life.
However, as we age, the demands and expectations of society begin to shape our perception of happiness.
We learn to associate happiness with achieving specific milestones: excelling in education, securing a well-paying job, earning substantial money, starting a family, and more.
The Shift from Intrinsic to Extrinsic Happiness
This shift from intrinsic to extrinsic sources of happiness marks a significant change.
Intrinsic happiness comes from within, requiring no external validation or achievement.
In contrast, extrinsic happiness is conditional, dependent on meeting societal standards and gaining approval from others.
As we internalize these societal expectations, we often lose touch with our innate sense of joy.
The pressure to achieve can overshadow the simple pleasures and present-moment awareness that characterized our childhood happiness.
This relentless pursuit of external goals can lead to a perpetual cycle of striving and dissatisfaction, making true happiness feel elusive.
The Futility of Chasing External Happiness
Chasing happiness through external achievements often leads to temporary satisfaction followed by a return to a baseline level of contentment.
This phenomenon, known as the hedonic treadmill, suggests that we quickly adapt to new circumstances, and the happiness derived from external achievements is fleeting.
The relentless pursuit of external happiness can create a cycle of striving and dissatisfaction, making true happiness feel perpetually out of reach.
If so, is happiness a goal worth chasing?
Alternative Approaches to Happiness
As discussed, Happiness is an intrinsic state of being that we are born with, and definitely worth chasing.
But the best way to chase happiness is to seek it from the inside.
Instead of trying to achieve results that you think will bring you happiness, focus on finding and cultivating your innate happiness.
Here are some simple methods to get you started:
Mindfulness and Present Moment Awareness
Focusing on the present moment rather than constantly striving for future happiness can lead to a more sustained sense of well-being.
Mindfulness practices encourage individuals to find joy in the present and appreciate what they have now.
Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Goals
Shifting focus from extrinsic goals (like wealth, fame, and social status) to intrinsic goals (like personal growth, relationships, and community involvement) can lead to more authentic and enduring happiness.
Intrinsic goals align more closely with our core values and provide a deeper sense of fulfillment.
Self-Acceptance and Gratitude
Cultivating self-acceptance and gratitude can help you find happiness within yourself rather than seeking it externally.
By appreciating what you have and who you are, you reduce the feeling of chasing something unattainable.
Purpose and Meaning
Engaging in activities that provide a sense of purpose and meaning can result in more profound and lasting happiness.
When you focus on meaningful endeavors rather than the pursuit of happiness itself, you might find that happiness naturally follows.
Conclusion: Is Happiness a Goal Worth Chasing?
The idea that constantly chasing happiness places it outside of your reach underscores the importance of how we frame our pursuit of happiness.
By shifting our focus from external achievements and future expectations to present-moment experiences and intrinsic values, we may find that happiness is not an end goal but a state of being that can be accessed and cultivated by living a meaningful and balanced life.
By focusing less on external achievements and more on our internal well-being, we can rediscover the natural happiness that resides within us. This shift allows us to lead more fulfilling and content lives, grounded in the understanding that true happiness comes from within.
So is happiness a goal worth chasing? Yes, happiness is indeed worth pursuing—not as an external goal, but as an internal reconnection with our intrinsic state of being.
Disclaimer
The entire contents of this blog are based upon the opinions of the author. It is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The information in this blog is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult your health care professional before trying any of the products or methods based on this content. I cannot guarantee that you will be free of stress, anxiety or depression, or that you will be happy. I simply want to share with you what I have discovered during my twenty years of seeking happiness and what has worked for me may not work for you.
