In Pursuit of Happiness

by Jeb Blount, author of PowerPrinciples

One of the great truths of mankind, is through all of our suffering and failure we continue to seek happiness and contentment. We desire it, we dream of it, we hunger for it, and we plan for the day when we will finally be happy. Like the end zone on a football field we see happiness as a destination - a place we will get to someday when . . .

Today we work in jobs we hate, live mediocre lives, settle for average instead of great, remain in unfulfilled relationships, and avoid risk, all with the promise that someday we'll be happy. Yet, for most, that day never materializes. Like a mirage in the desert, our dream of happiness and contentment is always just out of reach. So we suffer on, waiting for one day when.

But what if happiness is not a destination and instead it is what we do, not what we get that makes us feel happy? I've found, through observation, that truly happy people are engaged in life. They have a mission and passion that drives them. They are enthusiastic because they have purpose. And their hunger for greatness and accomplishment in whatever they are doing generates feelings of contentment and well being.

I believe the essence of happiness is having an enthusiastic purpose that drives us each moment, hour, day, week, month and year. It is the combination of all of these moments together that create happy lives; and people who have discovered this secret part this world with no regrets, having squeezed out every drop of happiness on their journey.

When I present this concept to groups invariably someone will ask how in the world they can, or will, discover their purpose in life. And, of course, that is a question most of us secretly ponder. Finding our singular purpose seems daunting. Of course, there are those who have discovered a single purpose for their lives, and others, who, after years of drifting suddenly have an epiphany that launches them in a new direction. And while I think it is important and constructive to consider our greater purpose, most of us live in the real world, with real challenges like paying mortgages, putting food on our tables, educating and raising our children, and dealing with the day to day issues required to just survive. In this environment, having a singular purpose for our lives is a luxury that gets pushed to the side in our ongoing struggle just to survive.

So consider this, what if the key to happiness is not finding a singular purpose but rather leaving our unique imprint on whatever we do. Instead of looking for a message from heaven, we develop a hunger for greatness and a drive for excellence as a way of life, and we look for opportunity to leave our mark in small ways.

I believe that true happiness comes from finding purpose in our daily lives. Perhaps it is coaching youth soccer and making a positive impact on the lives of the kids on the team. Or maybe spending time with your daughter to teach her that anything is possible; or a commitment to be the best salesperson in your company or to give the very best service to your customers; or to be a sale leader who instills excellence in his people; or to improve your health so that you will have the energy to focus on your greater goals; or simply to make it your mission to become genuinely interested in other people and help them solve their problems.

I have found that people who set small goals and are committed to excellence in everything they do are happier, more content, more successful and are more willing to take risk that often leads to greater accomplishment. Instead of waiting for some day when, they focus their attention on now. They live in the moment. They treat mediocre and average as diseases and never settle for just getting by. They wake up every morning with the burning desire and hunger to be their very best. And step by step, day by day, they not only leave a legacy of excellence, and live happier more content lives, but also inspire those around them to wake up and live!