7 truths about happiness most people learn too late in life

Happiness is quite elusive, isn’t it? We all chase it, yet it often seems just out of reach. Why?

Well, as someone who has spent years studying mindfulness and observing people, I’ve noticed it often comes down to our perception of happiness and where it comes from.

Basically, there are some fundamental truths about happiness that many people only discover later in life. 

Today, I share them with you so you can hopefully find that elusive joy a little sooner.

1) Happiness is a journey, not a destination

So many people think of happiness as a destination.

They believe it’s something they’ll achieve when they finally get that promotion, buy that dream house, or find the perfect partner.

But the truth is, happiness isn’t a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow; it’s the rainbow itself. It’s found within the journey, not at its end.

To quote famous psychologist Carl Rogers: “The good life is a process, not a state of being. It is a direction, not a destination.”

The sooner we understand this, the more fulfilled our lives will be.

2) Happiness comes from within

You’ve heard this one before but it’s so true. 

I used to believe that external factors were the key to happiness. I thought that if I worked hard enough and achieved a certain level of success, happiness would naturally follow. Sound familiar?

However, I soon discovered that no amount of success could fill the void I was feeling inside.

Happiness isn’t something you find outside yourself; it’s something you cultivate within.

In the words of  Nisargadatta Maharaj, “All you need is already within you, only you must approach your self with reverence and love.”

It’s about finding contentment and peace within your own mind and heart, irrespective of your external circumstances.

3) Letting go of ego leads to happiness

Our ego, with its constant need for recognition and validation, so often stands in the way of true happiness. It makes us compare ourselves with others and leaves us feeling inadequate or unsatisfied.

With social media, for instance, it’s so easy to fall into the trap of comparing our everyday life to someone else’s highlight reel. That’s ego at work.

This often leads to feelings of jealousy and inadequacy as we strive to match or surpass the curated images we see online. Each moment spent in these comparisons detracts from our authentic experiences and potential joys.

In professional settings, ego can manifest as a relentless drive for promotions or recognition, overshadowing the deeper satisfaction that comes from the work itself.

We might push ourselves relentlessly, sacrificing our health and well-being for the next accolade.

When we inevitably encounter setbacks, the fragile construct of our self-esteem, built around success and recognition, crumbles, leaving us distraught.

That’s why it’s so important to learn how to let go of our egos and focus on living authentically. Authentic living isn’t about how others perceive us, but about aligning our actions with our true values and desires.

This shift requires a conscious effort to recognize when our ego is influencing our decisions and to gently steer our focus back to what genuinely matters.

4) Gratitude enhances happiness

Here’s a really actionable one so many people seem to overlook. 

Experts recommend the simple act of giving thanks as an effective way to increase our happiness. 

When we take time each day to reflect on what we’re thankful for, we shift our focus from what’s wrong in our lives to what’s right. This simple act can have a profound impact on our mental and emotional wellbeing.

Despite its transformative power, many people overlook this simple practice, only realizing its value later in life.

Make an effort to count your blessings rather than your problems. You may just find that happiness has been hiding in plain sight all along.

5) Happiness isn’t constant

Here’s a truth that might seem counter-intuitive: happiness isn’t meant to be a constant state.

We often have this misconception that once we achieve happiness, it’s here to stay. But the reality is, life is full of ups and downs, and our emotions are meant to fluctuate along with it.

Trying to maintain a constant state of happiness can actually lead to disappointment and frustration. It creates unrealistic expectations and puts unnecessary pressure on ourselves.

What’s more, it’s through experiencing a range of emotions that we truly appreciate the moments of joy and contentment when they come.

Understanding this can take away a lot of unnecessary stress and pressure, but sadly, many people realize this truth too late in life. So, remember, it’s okay not to be happy all the time. It’s part of being human.

6) Happiness is unique to each individual

We often fall into the trap of comparing our happiness to others, thinking that if we had what they have, we’d be happier. But happiness doesn’t work like that.

It’s essential to discover what truly makes you happy, independent of societal norms and expectations. This can be a journey of self-discovery and introspection that leads to genuine contentment.

Unfortunately, many people only understand this truth later in life, after years of trying to fit into someone else’s definition of happiness.

7) Happiness lies in the present moment

We often postpone our happiness to some future date. We tell ourselves, “I’ll be happy when I get that promotion” or “I’ll be happy when I retire.”

But the truth is, happiness is not a future state to be achieved; it’s a present state to be experienced.

The problem with postponing happiness is that the future is uncertain and always out of reach. When we attach our happiness to future events, we miss out on the joy available to us right here, right now.

Many people learn this truth about happiness quite late in life, after they’ve spent years chasing after future goals and missing the beauty of the present moment.

While it’s good to have goals and dreams, don’t forget to enjoy the journey. After all, the present moment is all we truly have.

In conclusion: It’s a personal journey

These truths are by no means exhaustive, but they’re insights that have been personally valuable and transformative, gleaned from a lifelong exploration of mindfulness and human psychology. 

It’s never too late to start your journey to a happier life. But the earlier you start, the more time you have to enjoy the ride. So why wait?

Happiness is waiting for you here and now.