This article is the sixth in a series that discusses the essential elements of happiness.

The most crucial fact that determines whether you will ever experience complete happiness is the degree to which you value happiness. A person who is focused and determined can achieve any goal no matter how challenging that goal might at first appear. Mankind has walked on the moon, and conquering happiness is a greater goal. A precondition to achieving any goal is first to value that goal. Valuing happiness puts into motion the thoughts and actions necessary to secure happy feelings. At times happiness can be illusive. The pursuit of happiness is a mind game, but it is a game that can be won.

On a scale of 1 to 5 what is your level of commitment to happiness? What actions have you recently taken that demonstrate your commitment to happiness? What would happen if you gave 5% more attention to your goal of achieving happiness? What roadblocks in your life inhibit you from a full-on pursuit of happiness? What choices can you make right now to affirm your commitment to happiness? Can you name ten reasons that justify your commitment to happiness? Can you name ten more reasons?

No goal can be achieved without effort. Some argue that striving for happiness is the surest way to loose it. While I see some merit in their arguments, I believe that supporters of this line of reasoning are a little confused. Refusing to pursue happiness as a means to pursue happiness is really just pursuing happiness but by other means. It is true that the earth is being destroyed by those pursuing happiness. However, those who pursue happiness by acquiring material goods are suffering from a tragic misunderstanding (see my article “More is Better” is False). The devastation of the earth’s natural resources can ultimately be blamed not on the pursuit of happiness itself, but on a misguided philosophy that equates material goods with happiness.

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This entry was posted on Sunday, December 10th, 2006 at 12:52 am and is filed under Elements of Happiness. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.