The United States is perhaps the richest country on the planet. We have ample opportunity for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. But it seems that happiness for many really means just being comfortable. In the richest country on the planet, 76% of the population is living from paycheck to paycheck and most people don't have $5,000 in savings in case of emergency. It looks like the pursuit of comfort has failed. Comfort lulls us to sleep while the temperature steadily climbs and we adjust until we're boiling in hot water slowly dying.
However, for ambitious, open-minded go-getters, there is good news. Opportunity hasn't gone away. There is more opportunity now more than ever. The new economy and technology has opened new pathways to success and real happiness, not the illusion of that comes from striving for mere comfort. Here are a few things you can do to achieve happiness:
Pursue Your Passion. Pursuing the things you love and are most passionate about, especially as your career, allows you to tap into boundless energy and joy. That energy and joy will help you push through and be productive when you're tired or are facing what looks like an impossible challenge. When you love what you do, you're much more likely to remain committed and be successful.
Question Your Reality. Ask yourself, are you really happy where you are in your life, career, relationships, financial status, etc. Am I able to provide for myself, my family, and support the causes most dear to me? Do I have freedom of choice or must I do things I don't want to do routinely. If you answered, yes, great! Continue what you're doing. If not, question what you're doing and why. If your current mindset isn't getting you the results you want, change your perspective and approach.
Explore Possibilities. Ask yourself, What if? What would be the worse thing that could happen if I did something bold and courageous and failed? What would you do if you couldn't fail? The next time you have a choice, ask why do I have to choose? Instead of choosing between "either/or", find a way to change it to "and." Figuring out how to have your cake and eat it too will produce an entirely different set of outcomes. Having possibilities are what gives us hope in life.
Prepare For "Discomfort". Anytime you're moving into new territory or to a place that's unfamiliar, it comes with some discomfort. Discomfort jolts you out of apathy. Look at it as simply a test to see how bad you want the object of your desire. Discomfort stretches you and only strengthens and prepares you to better handle the success you achieve when you push through.
Remember, everything you want in life comes outside of your comfort zone.
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