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tags: #psychology #happiness #habits

A key strategy for a happier life is to prioritize happiness, not pursue it directly.

• Pursuing Happiness: This involves chasing happy feelings as a goal in itself. This approach often backfires, as focusing too much on wanting to be happy can lead to disappointment and a sense of failure. It turns happiness into a moving target.
• Prioritizing Happiness: This involves making decisions and building habits that create the conditions for happiness to arise naturally. It means consistently choosing activities and mindsets that align with your definition of happiness.

For example, instead of thinking "I need to feel happy right now," you would prioritize activities like spending quality time with family, working on a challenging skill, or practicing Gratitude.

This approach treats happiness not as a fleeting emotional state to be caught, but as a byproduct of a well-lived life. It is about building the garden, not chasing the butterflies.

Reference

Coursera, "A Life of Happiness and Fulfillment"