I’m not going to lie to you that a billion dollars, a Porsche, or a mansion on the coast of California won’t make you happy. They honestly might for a short period of time. But true happiness or fulfillment comes from pursuing a higher calling. The intention is to find happiness in the life we have while continuing to pursue the life we want. But how do you stay grateful while not losing your ambition?
Blissful dissatisfaction.
People confuse happiness and satisfaction.
The truth is, you can be happy while also being unsatisfied.
Happiness describes your mental or emotional state. Satisfaction represents your feelings toward the current circumstances in life.
Your state of happiness is completely unrelated to your level of satisfaction. In other words, you can be happy while seeking more abundance in your life. You don’t have to endure unhappiness simply because you want more out of life.
Being unhappy will not help you achieve more.
Instead, live in a state of blissful dissatisfaction.
“Blissful dissatisfaction is seeking more of something while simultaneously enjoying the journey or process.” — Ed Mylett
Too many people delay their happiness until they reach a particular destination or milestone. They say, “I’ll be happy when…”
I get that dream job. Or a million dollars. Or marry the girl or boy of my dreams.
These ideas cheat people from living a happy life. As if being happy with where they are will somehow diminish their drive or ambition for where they want to be. This isn’t true.
In fact, enjoying the process makes you more ambitious.
Enjoying the little victories makes you hungrier.
Think of your favorite food.
Does a single bite ever cause you to want the next one any less? I’m guessing the answer is no. With each bite, your drive, and hunger for the next one increases. The more you enjoy each bite, the more driven you are for the next.
The same goes with life. Enjoying the little victories gives you a dopamine hit and keeps you pressing forward. On the other hand, by cheating yourself out of celebrating the small wins, you’ll eventually burn out.
The more you enjoy the journey and find happiness along the way, the more drive you’ll have for the next victory.
Final Thoughts
Don’t wait to start being happy. The truth is, you can be genuinely happy while also pursuing a better life. The happier you are, the hungrier you’ll be for the next victory. The key to doing more and being happier is living in a state of blissful dissatisfaction. As Ed Mylett once said,
“A great life is someone who lives blissfully now, and stays in a state of dissatisfaction and drive.”