What Young People Can Learn About True Happiness

n the age of relentless comparison and a constant stream of influencers showcasing the highlight reels of their lives, the pursuit of happiness can often seem like an elusive quest for young people.

Navigating from the pressures of societal norms to the digital demands of online life, it is easy to get lost in the chase for fleeting pleasures that promise a semblance of joy.

But what if true happiness was not a destination but a state of being that one could achieve through a series of personal revolutions?

The following insights are tailor-made to introduce today's youth, the millennials and Gen Z, to a more profound understanding of happiness beyond the superficial exterior.

This article is not about success, popularity, or wealth - it's about the foundational aspects that lead to an authentic and enduring sense of fulfilment that can empower you to live a happier life, irrespective of external circumstances.

Caring About Fitting In

Paradoxically, one of the most significant barriers to happiness is the substantial effort put into 'fitting in.' Social media has amplified the importance of being part of a group or community, sidelining individual uniqueness.

The irony is that the more you try to fit in, the more you lose yourself. 

The Illusion of Acceptance

It's easy to fall into the trap of conforming to societal norms, especially when young and seeking acceptance. But conforming to standards that don't align with our values can lead to a loss of self-worth and joy.

The fear of being different can be overwhelming, but sacrificing our true identity to fit an arbitrary mould is not worth it.

Standing Proud in Individuality

It can be tempting to conform to societal expectations, but this can compromise one's values. The fear of rejection can be overwhelming, but sacrificing authenticity for acceptance can ultimately damage one's self-esteem and happiness.

No Vision for Future

The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams. Yet, in the rush to live in the present, the youth often neglect the powerful influence of aspirations and goals in shaping contentment.

The Power of Purpose

Having a vision for your future is like setting the sails on a ship; it gives direction. Purposeful living leads to a deeper and longer-lasting form of happiness. It gives you a reason to weather the storms and cherish the smooth sailing.

Smart Goals and Their Role

Setting 'SMART' goals — specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound — gives you a roadmap for success and happiness. They provide a scaffold for personal development and ensure you're constantly moving forward with intention.

Expecting Too Much from Others

Relationships are an integral part of life, but expecting others to be the sole providers of happiness is a recipe for disappointment.

Self-Reliance and Interdependence

While self-reliance is empowering, true joy comes from interdependence. Expecting too much from others can lead to a sense of entitlement, which is antithetical to happiness. Instead, learn to value your self-worth and contribute meaningfully to relationships. 

Cultivate Gratitude

Consider the joy that can stem from giving, not just receiving. Practice gratitude for the people in your life. Happiness flourishes in an environment of appreciation, where relationships are two-way streets, and every act of kindness, big or small, is not expected but deeply valued.

Ignoring Self-Education and Self-Learning

Continuous learning and personal growth are the fertile soil for happiness. Ignoring these aspects is akin to denying yourself the nutrients that can make a tree bloom.

The Role of Knowledge

Learning new things can be one of the most fulfilling experiences in life. Education need not be formal; it could be a new skill, language, or knowledge about a hobby. This continuous pursuit fosters a sense of accomplishment and novelty that combats stagnation.

Emotional and Soft Skills

Invest in emotional and soft skills. Understanding your emotions and managing them can lead to more harmonious relations, while soft skills like communication and empathy are invaluable in professional and personal settings.

Focusing on Negative Thoughts

The mind is a battlefield, and what you choose to focus on can significantly impact your happiness.

Shifting to a Positive Mindset

Consciously directing your thoughts to the positive can be learned. It requires mental discipline, but the rewards for overall well-being and happiness are immeasurable. 

Practicing Mindfulness 

Mindfulness practices such as meditation, breathing exercises, or simply taking moments to appreciate the present can help rewire your thought patterns towards greater positivity and gratitude.

Comparing with Others

Comparison has the power to diminish joy and contentment, making one's blessings pale in comparison to the perceived successes of others.

The Fallacy of Comparison

With social media glorifying the glamorous aspects of life, youthful minds may be led to believe that their lives are subpar. They recognize that these are curated and often exaggerated portrayals of reality, which is crucial.

Celebrating Your Progress

Celebrate your progress, not just your achievements. Regardless of how small, every step you take is inching you closer to your goals. Comparison steals the joy from these milestones, turning your gaze from the path you're paving to unproductive reflections on what you've yet to do.

The Role of Compassion

Practice compassion for yourself and others. Understand that everyone is on their path, facing challenges and celebrating their victories. Compassion can help neutralize the destructive power of comparison and foster a community where achievements are shared and celebrated without envy. 

Building an internal armour against the transient nature of what often passes for happiness becomes essential in a world bombarded with external stimuli.

By focusing on acceptance, self-direction, healthy relationships, learning, positive thinking, and compassionate living, the youth can chart a course for a fulfilling life that is self-sustaining and deeply gratifying.

When understood in these terms, the pursuit of happiness becomes less of a race and more of a deliberate living that appreciates every detail, acknowledges every struggle, and derives joy from simply being.

I hope the article serves as a touchdown point for young minds to recalibrate their compasses and set sail on a voyage that promises the treasure of true happiness.

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