It could change your trajectory toward a lifetime of well-being.
To live a life of happiness may require some change. I mean, for some people, fast living and instant gratification could produce some level of happiness. But is it sustainable? Will material riches and the latest gadgetry make your life fulfilling?
That’s a hard question to aanswer. But if you’re open to a new template for working and living life to the fullest, you may want to start with some self-examination.
The 1 question you should be asking
Living a life of happiness starts with pinpointing what truly matters to you. Then it requires operating from that mindset, no matter the cost in the short term (there will be sacrifices and failures along the way). Because happiness should come from doing something that deep down inside is exactly what you can’t help but keep doing.
The pursuit of sustainable happiness forces us to look in the mirror and ask one really powerful question: Am I doing the work that I want to do?
Most humans will have about 30 good years to make a productive dent in the universe. Thinking about our mortality should empower us to use whatever precious time we have left to make a real difference in the lives of others, and in the most meaningful way possible.
Another way to frame this big question is, “If I died tomorrow, would I want to be doing what I’m doing today?” If you’re asking this question for several days in a row and the answer is a “no,” it’s time to change something; it’s time for you to confront yourself. If you’re being true to yourself, it can be frightening to admit you’re not living the life you want, but it’s the only way to pivot toward the pursuit of may be your true calling.
Love what you do
Most of us will one day stand at a crossroads to find the path that will lead to doing work we love. Since work dominates the majority of your awake time, happiness is knowing you’ve chosen the right path for the journey; it’s the path of knowing that what you do matters.
Doing what you love gives you purpose, which fuels your drive to get up in the morning and serve others to the best of your ability. Research published in Harvard Business Review concluded that to be fully engaged and happy, people need to feel as if their work matters, and that their contributions help to achieve something important.
Remember, purpose leads to happiness. When people find purpose in their work, and they love what they do, it not only improves their happiness, it boosts their productivity.
If you don’t know what it is you love to do, your first step is to find out by seeking counsel from sages, surrounding yourself with entrepreneurs who have found their passion and calling, and asking friends and loved ones for input. When you discover what this is for you, it’s the very thing that will make you come alive.
Register for a free account and get Inc. Australia Today, our daily newsletter digest curated for entrepreneurs.
