What should be the goal of one’s life? Being successful, becoming a scientist, becoming a millionaire or becoming a monk? Should it be a milestone or can the goal itself be a journey? Can we achieve this goal or is it something like perfection which can only be aimed for and never achieved?

Even though these questions are of paramount importance, most of us do not have clear and ready answers for it and we blindly plod on through the daily workings of life. But introspect for a minute and the answer readily presents itself to you.

The thing which everybody should be striving for and which should be at the top of our priorities is being happy! Yes as simple as that. Do whatever makes you happy and try to be happy with whatever you are doing and have. But as simple as it may sound and even though we know it to be the most important things deep within ourselves, happiness too takes effort. Or does it?

How Does One Attain Happiness?

Doesn’t it sound paradoxical that you have to attain happiness and not just be happy? After all it is an emotion, just like anger, and we should not have to work towards achieving it. We do not work towards becoming angry, do we?

So, why do we have to work towards becoming happy? Every emotion seems to originate from the circumstances that we are in. This makes it clear on how to achieve a particular feeling. Attune your environment accordingly.

In order to be happy, do the things that make you happy and be with the people that bring a smile onto your face.

But this answer does not satisfy you completely, does it? Because, most importantly, happiness comes from within yourself. No amount of external influence can make you laugh if you chose not to laugh. Yes, choosing to be happy is the first and most important step to attain happiness.

How To Stay Happy?

Now that it is clear that being happy has more to do with your own choice rather than on any other external influence, there still will be some situations which manage to snatch that brilliant smile of your face. You cannot be smiling like a fool all your life, can you? But pulling yourself back from such situations you can do.

These are things you should do in your pursuit of happiness:

Whenever you are in a good mood, do not let anything ruin it.

As soon as you start getting angry or frustrated, do something that makes you happy. For example, if at work there is a problem that does not seem to go away and is making you pull your hair apart, listen to that favourite song of yours or talk to a dear and funny friend. The problem will not go away but you are better equipped to deal with it smiling than with no hair on your head.

Also, do not dwell too much on the past and do not think too much about the future

“The most important thing is to enjoy your life – to be happy – it’s all that matters.”

― Audrey Hepburn

What is all the money worth if you are not happy from the inside? Why are you working day and night if it is bringing you everything except for happiness? As silly as it might sound, being happy is all that matters in the end.

It has been scientifically proven that happy people live longer and healthier lives. And even if it were not true, who would not want to lead a happy life? Not me!

Written By: Prasun Jha

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