Is the pursuit of happiness the perfect recipe for being unhappy?

Many people have an unrealistic view and expectation of life. External ‘stuff’ will never fill the void created by our own inner discontent. We need to stop searching for riches outside ourself and instead discover our own inner treasures.

What do you long for? What do you think will really make you happy? Imagine that I could wave a magic wand and make it happen. You would certainly feel excited and euphoric, but how long do you think the feeling would last? The adaptation principle tells us that it would not last long. You would gradually adapt to your new circumstances and soon your situation becomes ‘normal’ again. While the new situation might feel good in the short term, it certainly does not fulfil you long term.

It’s official, you can’t buy happiness!
The consistent finding from dozens of studies shows that no matter what you think will make you happy once you’ve adapted, it bears little relation to your happiness. We also know from these extensive studies that enduring happiness doesn’t come from “making it”, let alone from accumulating stuff. So if that is true, then actively pursuing happiness, hoping it will lead to fulfilment, excitement or a permanent state of euphoria, is indeed like chasing clouds in the sky. You will become more frustrated and unhappy because the clouds will not indulge you in your illusion. Your pursuit will only fuel your discontent. Instead of realising you can’t catch clouds, most people just try harder. The more clouds they see, the more determined they are.

You are the one you are looking for
It’s often the people that are most unhappy within themselves that seek happiness from outside themselves. If you want to feel satisfied, content and fulfilled more often, don’t look where it can’t be found. Stop chasing clouds. Instead, pursue the enormous wealth within yourself; uncover it, unlock it, and develop it. There is so much richness and gold to mine within you – so much more then you realise. You will never find happiness by looking outside yourself, no matter how glittery and shiny things may appear.

Take the road less travelled
The road to finding happiness in the material world is a well-trodden path. Whilst it is seductive and you will certainly have plenty of company, it only fuels your discontent.

When you choose to stop thinking about what is missing from your life and instead focus on the abundance that is present, you will experience heaven on earth. There are times that we all need reminding that ‘the most important things in life are not things at all’.

Be conscious of the road you are travelling and remember you can change course at any time.

An unfulfilled life leads to frustration, unhappiness, and discontent. Self-discovery is the road less travelled, but it will lead to a more fulfilling and meaningful life. To achieve this, you need to go within. For if you don’t go within, you will go without.

It starts with you

Soul Setting meets you right where you are. Change isn’t just about new habits – it’s about self-discovery and personal transformation. The Soul Setting pathways are designed to support you in this season of life, helping you gently uncover what’s next.

  • Soul Shift – when you’re navigating major life transitions and searching for clarity.
  • Soul Leader – when you want to lead with confidence, authenticity, and soul.
  • Soul Spark – when you feel flat or disconnected and want to reignite your energy and purpose.

👉 Explore the Soul Setting Pathways here

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