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The desire for happiness is as old as mankind, and the myths surrounding it are alive and well.
1. Happiness depends on your circumstances.
If this were true, then folks born into dire poverty or who undergo traumatic situations would be unhappy while the fortunates who are born into opulence and live even, pleasant lives would be happy.
You immediately recognize that this is not the case.
The news confirms this each time we hear a report of a wealthy kid overdosing on drugs or a parapalegic who reaches an amazing athletic achievement.
We all are born into circumstances over which we have no control. As we grow up, we will encounter adversity and sometimes tragedy.It is how we respond to those circumstances that determines our success, achievement and happiness.
Every adversity, every failure and every heartache carries with it the seed of an equivalent or a greater benefit.Napoleon Hill
2. Money won’t make you happy.
This myth may make you feel better when you are facing economic challenges, but the truth is a certain amount of money does indeed contribute to your happiness.
While we can often live on less money than we think, there is nothing noble about being impoverished and not being able to provide adequately for your family. Once our basic needs are met, however, accumulating more money and possessions may give brief exhiliration, but won’t add to our happiness.
How you spend your money is more important than how much you have. When you spend money on creating memorable experience, such as taking your family on an awesome vacation, is more fulfilling than spending it on another TV set whose newness and appeal will soon wear off.
Most important of all is to avoid tying your own personal value to the amount of money you have.
3. Being around happy people will make you happy.
Happiness is an inside job. It’s the peace you make within yourself and the habits you put in place that matter.
When you associate with positive people, it certainly reinforces the positive thinking you have within. But if you’re holding onto negative thoughts and neglecting to take steps to build your self-esteem, being around happy people won’t work magic.
What other happiness myths are you holding onto?
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