Why Do People Chase Happiness?

Even though people have many reasons to chase this elusive concept. It’s a fundamental human desire and a natural instinct to strive for a fulfilling life. Happiness is subjective and can mean different things to different people, but for the majority of us, it is a state of well-being, contentment, and joy.

The pursuit of happiness is not a new concept. For centuries, philosophers and theologians have been discussing the importance of happiness and its place in our lives. From Aristotle to Immanuel Kant, they all agree that happiness is the ultimate goal of human existence. It is the foundation of a good life and the key to our personal and collective well-being.

In modern times, the pursuit of happiness has taken on a new significance. With the advancements in science and technology, our society has become more materialistic and consumer-oriented, and the quest for happiness has become more intense. People are constantly searching for ways to improve their lives and achieve greater levels of happiness.

One of the reasons why people chase happiness is due to the influence of societal norms and expectations. In our society, happiness is seen as a symbol of success and a measure of one’s worth. People are constantly bombarded with images of happy and successful individuals in the media, and it is natural for us to want to emulate those lifestyles. We are told that if we work hard, accumulate wealth, and acquire material possessions, we will be happy. This belief is deeply ingrained in our collective consciousness, and as a result, many of us feel compelled to chase happiness.

Another reason why people chase happiness is due to the absence of it in their lives. For many, happiness is a fleeting and elusive experience, and they are constantly searching for ways to recapture it. This may be due to external factors such as a difficult life situation, financial difficulties, or relationship problems. Alternatively, it may be due to internal factors such as low self-esteem, anxiety, or depression. Regardless of the reason, the absence of happiness can be a driving force for individuals to pursue it.

People also chase happiness in an attempt to escape negative emotions and experiences. Life can be challenging, and we all experience difficult situations, pain, and loss. In an effort to avoid these unpleasant feelings, people often seek happiness as a way to escape their reality. They believe that if they can attain a state of happiness, they can avoid the negative emotions that come with life’s challenges.

The pursuit of happiness is also driven by a desire for personal growth and self-improvement. Many individuals see happiness as a way to better themselves and reach their full potential. They believe that by attaining happiness, they can become the best version of themselves. They see happiness as a way to unlock their true potential and live life to the fullest.

Finally, people chase happiness because it is a natural part of the human experience. We are wired to seek pleasure and avoid pain. The pursuit of happiness is a basic human instinct that is ingrained in our DNA. From a biological perspective, happiness is associated with the release of feel-good chemicals in the brain, such as dopamine and serotonin. These chemicals are associated with pleasure, reward, and motivation, and they drive us to seek happiness.

In conclusion, people chase happiness for a variety of reasons. Whether it is due to societal norms, the absence of happiness in their lives, a desire to escape negative emotions, personal growth, or basic human instincts, the pursuit of happiness is a universal phenomenon.

While the pursuit of happiness can be a challenging and often frustrating journey, it is ultimately a rewarding one that can bring greater meaning and purpose to our lives.

How to Find True Happiness

Most people believe happiness comes from having lots of money or possessions, but that’s not true. Sure, those things can make you happy for a little while, but it’s not long-term happiness. Long-term happiness comes from finding your purpose in life. What gets you excited to get out of bed in the morning? When you’re happy, you’re more likely to achieve your goals because happiness releases dopamine. That’s why chasing money is a never-ending cycle of emptiness. But if you discover your “why” in life, you’ll find fulfillment that doesn’t go away.

If you want to be truly happy, you need to find your “why”—the thing that drives you and gets you excited about life. When you have a sense of purpose, everything else falls into place. You’ll be more likely to stick with your goals because you’re driven by something bigger than yourself. And when you’re happier, you’ll be more productive because that dopamine I mentioned will give you a boost of energy and motivation.

But how do you find your why? Start by thinking about the things that make you happy. What are your passions? What makes you feel alive? These may not even have anything to do with your profession. That’s something people tend to forget. You don’t have to be a professional painter or singer.

Let’s say you love the outdoors. What about the outdoors? Why do you love it? How does it make you feel? What would be your dream outdoor experience? How doable is it today? If not, where can you start? You see, most people never try and unpack what would really make them happy. So how can you get somewhere when you don’t know where you’re going?

Once you have a good idea of what makes you happy, start brainstorming ways to turn those things into a career or a business venture too. Just because you’re in a totally different field doesn’t mean you can’t do it.

I have a friend Pieter Malan from South Africa. He was a Financial Advisor who was making loads of money, but unfulfilled. He loved making short videos and target shooting. So he began focusing on his passion and before he realized it, he’s doing it full-time on YouTube. He was able to leave his career to not just make more money, but live his dream.

If you can find a way to make money doing something you love, then you’ll never work another day in your life as they say. But even if you don’t make money in your passion, you’ll have more success than just a great paying career.

Finding true happiness is not about chasing money or possessions. Those things can make you happy for a little while, but they won’t last. True happiness comes from finding your purpose. Once you figure out that “why”, everything else will fall into place.

You’ll be more likely to achieve your goals and be more productive because happiness gives you a boost of energy and motivation. So don’t wait any longer—start finding your why today!