You know you want to be happy. You try to do things to be happy.

But it eludes you. Happiness seems so hard to get. And it’s frustrating because you’re rational adult with intelligence.

Perhaps then, it’s time to admit that you’re doing something wrong.

It’s not really your fault though, for there’re so many wrong ideas out there by malicious people!

1) Success brings happiness

Straight up: Success does not bring happiness.

It’s the other way around.

More often than not too, we view success in the form of money, relationship, marriage or a good career in the works. But all of that may make you realize that once attained, it’s not a big deal at all and you aren’t feeling any better.

Happiness brings success. It is when you’re happy that you attract the best things in your life.

2) Money does not buy happiness/Money does buy happiness

This is a little paradox here.

Most commonly, people say that money does not buy happiness.

Oh come on. Money definitely makes your life a lot easier and solves a lot of problems. I am sure from there, you can easily be happy without all the stress, worry and struggle. So make you have enough saved and work hard to get that money.

Yet, always remember that money, at the end of the day is a material thing that cannot solve your spiritual or mental problems. It can only give you so much ease in life. Why do you think there’re so many rich people and celebrities going through depression? Remember to always take a step back and look at the bigger picture in life.

3) A self-help program will cure all your problems

Be it a book, a seminar, inspiring YouTube video or even a mentor. They can’t cure all your problems.

Sure, they may inspire you and give you some short-term happiness, but it’s not going to last.

At the end of the day, happiness depends on you, not them. So learn all you like, but apply yourself and eventually do it your own way.

4) Happiness is ‘instant’ and it won’t take any kind of work at all

You know how in movies, when the main character sees a therapist, has a flashback, hits an epiphany and then his life turns around completely?

That is a fairy tale.

Happiness doesn’t come in an instant and stays with you forever.

If you want to heal yourself and rid yourself of your problems, it’s going to be a long-term process. I know because I’ve been through therapy myself. You must put in the effort and give yourself time.

That’s how it actually gets better.

5) A relationship will make you happy forever

If you feel lonely, it’s easy to think that getting a partner will make you happy.

But as with life, everything takes time and effort. A relationship will only last to be a happy one if both parties are putting in the work.

And sometimes, even that is not enough. The relationship may have to end. You WILL be unhappy if you do not have the courage to break away from a toxic and loveless relationship.

Again, happiness does not depend on your partner. It depends on you.

6) Passion brings happiness

Ideas on passion today are seriously overrated. Successful people all around keep talking about passion as if it’s magic.

It’s not magic. Passion does not solve all your problems or automatically makes you happy. You still need to do the work!

And nobody can indulge in their passion 24/7. Take a break some time! You’re only human so you’re bound to feel less-than-stellar from time to time.

7) Happiness depends on everything else apart from you

In case you haven’t gotten it by now…

Happiness is a choice.

It’s up to you to choose it.

As long as you refuse to choose it, you’re not going to be happy. Period.

It’s all on you now baby.

Just for Pick The Brain readers!

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