You will be unhappy…

Anyone who thinks they can be happy every second of every day for their entire lives…

They’re setting themselves up for a lifetime of disappointment. 

Things won’t work out like they’re supposed to.

You’ll lose a job, a pet… Or a loved one.

It’s better to strive for happiness in as many moments as you can while expecting to have disappointments, setbacks, and heartache. 

Don’t delude yourself into thinking you can be happy all the time.

But at the same time, live an optimistic life. Expect things to work out in your favor and often, they will.

The Universe conspires to help us when we make the decision to act.

Lack of work might be making you unhappy…

Feeling unhappy? I can probably guess why…

You don’t have a project to work on.

“Prod any happy person, and you will find a project.“

—Richard Layard, economist

I don’t mean a project at work: one of those mindnumbing, agonizing, tedious, pointless tasks you’ve been given by your boss just to look busy.

I’m talking about something that matters: a project that makes you happy. A project that makes a difference. A project that changes someone else for the better.

Seth Godin would call that kind of project “art.” And it doesn’t have to be a painting, song, or movie. It just has to matter to you. 

And it helps if it makes the world a better place.

A quick way to find real happiness? Start working on a project.

(If you want to learn more about this argument, check out Layard’s book Happiness: Lessons from a New Science)

Subscribe below for insights, resources, and ideas delivered directly to your inbox.