The real secret to happiness

Watch video

I’ve talked to a lot of adults about this question- “What do you want in life?”

Most say I want to be happy. I think they aren’t exactly correct. What people want is the happiness that comes from fulfillment. Fulfillment is a deeper sense of happiness we get from accomplishment and sacrifice. Of doing hard things that are valuable and worth something. That is a different kind of happiness.

We think of happiness as something that falls down from the sky and lands in our lap. Think about it, when you blow out the candles on your birthday cake do you wish for something that falls in your lap (I wish for a great job or the perfect partner) or do you wish for the strength to go out and get that thing you want. There is a proverb that says pray for wind but keep rowing.

Happiness needs action.

We all strive for meaning in life. We want to know we lived a life that mattered. Meaning comes from our service to others. It’s about giving not getting. It’s about making a difference in the lives of the people around us.

As much as your family, as much as your job, serving others has the potential to fill you with fulfillment and a deep sense of happiness you get when you lose yourself in service to others. When you forget about your troubles for a few hours and just take some time to serve other people.