Why It’s So Hard to Be Happy
Why are you chasing it?
Humans didn’t become Earth’s top dogs by being the strongest or fastest — we’d lose to most animals our size in a cage match.
And tools? Other species have those, too.
Our real edge lies in our ability to imagine, plan, and dream about tomorrow.
This superpower of abstract thought helped us ration food, predict seasons, and build civilizations.
It’s also why happiness can feel so slippery.
While our world has modernized at warp speed, our brains are still running ancient software.
We’re wired to think ahead, always imagining a shinier future.
Get the degree, land the dream job, find the love of your life — that narrative keeps us going.
And sure, it’s helpful. Future-focused thinking gives us purpose and direction.
But, life only ever happens now.
If we spend all our time prepping for “someday,” we risk missing the moments right in front of us.
Picture a squirrel hoarding acorns for a winter that never arrives.
That’s us — constantly grinding, endlessly chasing.
It’s exhausting, and if we’re not careful, we’ll hamster-wheel ourselves straight into burnout.
So, how do we break free?
No, I’m not telling you to abandon your dreams or quit striving.
The answer is gratitude.
Wait, don’t roll your eyes yet.
Gratitude isn’t about settling or losing your edge.
It’s about noticing the cookies scattered around you while you’re baking the next batch.
It doesn’t mean you stop chasing your goals — it means you can enjoy the journey and the destination.
And science backs this up.
Gratitude pulls you out of the endless “what ifs” and “if onlys,” anchoring you in what’s good right now.
It’s like borrowing a bit of the happiness you’re chasing in the future and enjoying it today.
Here’s the truth: if you’re not happy with what you have, you’ll never be happy with what you get.
So tonight, try this: jot down three things — a smile, gratitude, and a win.
It might feel awkward at first, but stick with it.
You’ll start noticing the good in your life that’s been hiding in plain sight.
Slow down, and look around.
Maybe the happiness you’re chasing isn’t out there — it’s already here.
