Unlocking True Happiness
Exploring the Obstacles that Diminish Joy and How to Overcome Them
There may be various factors that can stand between you and happiness, both external and internal, and they vary from person to person, BUT It seems to me that the only thing that stands between me and happiness is always ME.
We cannot ignore the fact that there are several factors that contribute to someone’s happiness, but all of them come down to how we perceive and respond to them. Steven R. Covey, author of the bestselling book “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People,” introduced a framework to boost personal and interpersonal effectiveness.
The key to applying the “Circle of Control” concept is to prioritize your mental and emotional energy on the things you can control, recognize what falls within your circle of influence, and accept and let go of the things that are outside of your control (the circle of concern). By doing so, individuals can cultivate a greater sense of agency, reduce stress, and improve their overall well-being.
In challenging situations, I found it very helpful to reflect on the circles and ask yourself:
- What can I control in this situation?
- What can I influence, even if I can’t control it entirely?
- What is beyond my control, and how can I accept and let go of it?
This practice can lead to a more balanced and resilient approach to dealing with life’s ups and downs. Moreover, happiness is not the absence of negative emotions or difficult experiences; it is a holistic perspective that considers both positive and negative aspects of life.
Working on cultivating positive habits, developing resilience, and focusing on what is within one’s control can contribute to a happier and more fulfilling life.
Engage in activities that promote personal growth and development because it will lead to increased happiness. I believe that happiness is a state of mind. Yes, there are external factors that may influence our peace of mind, but how we perceive them and how we respond to them are in our control.
Researchers and philosophers have explored the nature of happiness for centuries, and while there is no single definition or formula for happiness, the pursuit of happiness remains a central aspect of human existence and well-being.
Ultimately, it is you and only you that can control your feelings and how you respond to things that surround you. Hence, don’t let things outside your circle of control affect you. Be the author of your life and come up with solutions to cheer yourself up and fight the dark intruders that can affect your happiness.