Chasing Happiness vs Pursuing Fulfillment

Photo Credit: labs.sogeti.com

"It is not in the pursuit of happiness that we find fulfillment, it is in the happiness of pursuit."
-Denis Waitley

How many times have you asked someone, "What is your long term goal?"

They respond, "I just want to be happy."

Often times however, if you ask people to define what happiness means to them, they struggle to do so. It is like getting a car and driving, but having no clear destination. Happiness, is an emotion linked to pleasure, and pleasure is fleeting. When people chase things that make them happy, often they are left feeling unfulfilled. The concept of chasing happiness is shortsighted and emotionally taxing. The bottom line is if you want to be happy, you need to stop chasing happiness. Happiness only happens when you are in pursuit of doing things that are challenging, meaningful, thoughtful and purposeful.

Instead of chasing happiness, we choose to pursue fulfillment. It’s through defining your vision and pursuing your purpose, that you achieve true fulfillment. Viktor Frankl, author of the bestselling book, Man’s Search for Meaning, explained that happiness can not be pursued, it must ensued by committing authentically to meaningful values and goals. This can only be accomplished by extending beyond yourself, either in service to others or to a cause greater than yourself. We believe that people want to be part of something bigger than themselves. This is happens when we are engaged in the endless process of self-development and through serving others.

Now is the time to start living and stop being. As we approach a new year and a new decade, it is necessary to define your values, push your comfort zone, pursue greatness in all areas of your life, identify a cause bigger than yourself and back it up with an intentional work habit.

With love,
Brandon & Amanda