The Key to Lifelong Happiness

It’s not about achieving all your goals

Photo by Abhidev Vaishnav on Unsplash

There are times when we do or get what we want, but we either feel happy for a fraction of a moment or don’t feel it at all.

We spend time on it, we put in the effort. And yet there is something that prevents us to feel contented.

“Happiness is not a goal…it’s a by-product of a life well lived.”

― Eleanor Roosevelt

It bothers us. And it should because we want to feel happy.

I’m not saying we need to feel it all the time, but achieving something should be at least gratifying. But why it’s not always the case?

Personal core values

Sometimes answer is that we acted primarily based on our short-term interests, rather than on our core values.

For example, if we choose our job, friends, or hobby based on need just to fit in or to impress someone. It will not make us happy in the long run. You need to realize that it doesn’t align with your values deep inside.

That bad feeling is called cognitive dissonance. It sparks from the contradiction inside us. When our deepest values conflict with our shallow interests.

So how to know your values? There are ways to find out.

Try to identify the times when you were most fulfilled and satisfied, or most proud. What were the contributing factors to those feelings? This will definitely reveal your core values.

Once you know them, write them down. Keep them where you can see it daily.

Revisit them once you feel that you’re not in alignment with your values.

To achieve long-term happiness you need to set yourself a single, yet not so easily attainable goal.

Live a life based primarily on your personal values. Don’t compromise them for a short selfish gain or instant gratification, it’s not worth it and you know it.

Take a good look back in time. Remember how many times you let yourself be controlled by your weakness to find out that it hasn’t made you happy.

We should use our values as a guiding compass in our life journey.

Acting according to your values will make you happy in the long run. Even if you will need to say no to something or someone.