(Article is ~300 words)

How happy are you right now on a scale of 1-10 (10 being kicka**)? I am probably a 7 right now. I strive daily to be a 10, but some of my actions today that are not as enjoyable will lead to my success and happiness tomorrow. So, what are you doing today to be happier?

There are many factors that play into our happiness level. Depression, lifestyle, stress, success, and so on are all reasons why you and I are happy or sad. Obviously, we would all always love to be a 10, so why aren’t we doing more to be happy.

There are a few things we mistake happiness for. For example, I thoroughly enjoy freshly sliced watermelon on a hot summer day. It makes me happy when I eat it. However, it is a short term thing and doesn’t satisfy my long term happiness. Now, finishing a project or completing a marathon are things that truly make me happy.

Earlier, I asked what you were doing to satisfy your long term happiness. Some of you may have had an answer, but I have a feeling most didn’t. If you had nothing to respond to that question, you should now ask yourself, “Why?” Why are you not doing everything you can to start living the life that makes you the happiest you can be? You need to determine what is preventing you from doing this. It may be controllable distractions, unfocused efforts, or a poor environment. Whatever it is, you need to start correcting that immediately.

Happiness should be our one major goal in our short lives. If happiness isn’t currently on your radar, start focusing on what needs to be done for it to become a reality.

David Damron

The Minimalist Path