The Pursuit of Happiness

Speaking Notes

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

How are you doing in your pursuit of happiness? If you feel like you’re playing a game of hide and seek, you’re not alone. Only 19% of Americans describe themselves as “very happy.”

I think we have the wrong mindset about the pursuit of happiness.

Our idea is that we chase after it. Hunt it down. Go out and find it.

What we think we need to be happy

• “Right” Career
• Perfect house
• Car
• Money
• Attention
• Accomplishments
• Relationship

When I get married . . . when I get a better job . . . when we have kids . . . if I could find a partner who understands my needs.

Problem is that it’s never enough. You won’t be happy if you think you have to find it “out there” somewhere.

What we believe: Have Do Be
If I can only have the things I want . . . I could do the things I want . . . so then I’ll be happy.

Reality:Be Do Have
You have to Be the kind of person who does what it takes to have what you want.

Happiness is an inside job.

You mean that all I have to do is decide to be happy?
Yes . . . and no.
No, you can’t just decide to flip a switch and be happy.
Yes, happiness comes from making a decision.

You can decide to be happy when you are living in and acting from your identity.
When you know who you are you respond to circumstances rather than react to them. 

Ultramarathon example: Marathon runners wanting to run ultramarathon

Runner 1 – Plans splits for each mile. Sets aggressive goal for total time. Motivation is to prove his ability as a runner and go to next level.

Runner 2 – Plans pace and strategy. Has A, B, and C goals. Motivation is that she thinks she has more inside than just 26.2 miles.

Both runners DNF at mile 24. Runner 1 – I’m a failure. What will people think? Runner 2 – I failed. I will learn and do better next time.

The best part about living from your identity – you decide who you are.

Pursuit of happiness isn’t out there. It’s in you. It’s becoming the best version of yourself. It’s about having confidence and satisfaction with who you are.

Takeaway: The most important mindset work you can do is to know who you are. You don’t “find yourself.” You create yourself.