Why Are Most People Unhappy?

I’ve been thinking a great deal lately about the things we do—meaning the things on our ever pursuant journey towards happiness.

I’ve concluded a few things: All people seek happiness—no doubt about it. Moreover, if someone is participating in activities that bring them pain, it’s likely they are doing so in the short-run—meaning they expect to achieve happiness in the future.

The problem in the journey towards happiness is that most people don’t know where they are going. They don’t think about their lives deep enough to understand what really matters. In addition, people seek others advice before they truly know themselves. If you don’t understand yourself, than how can you get advice from someone else? What are you chasing in life? Is it money? Is it seeking God’s will? Is it finding the love of your life? Are you doing things because other people want you to do them?

A couple things that have helped along the way:

- The place you are in right now is exactly where you’re supposed to be. Don’t always live two steps a head of your current reality. Accept where you are, the things you have, and the people in your life. Don’t ever think you aren’t important enough to make a difference, it’s simply not true. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t plan for the future. Planning for the future and living in the future are two completely different things—don’t get them confused.

- Find yourself spiritually. Whatever this means for you, seek it out, and actively engage yourself to find meaning in your life. Personally, the closer I get to God, the happier I am. You will reap what you sow—no question about it.

- Reserve quiet time to read and think deeply about yourself. Life is hectic, and most people don’t set aside time to reflect on themselves. Ask yourself some questions: Am I living the life I want to live? If not, how can I change? Have I found happiness? If not, what are the things that make me happy?

I truly believe people spend their entire lives seeking happiness, and most never find it—mainly because they don’t know what they’re chasing. What are you chasing?