Secret To Happiness Essay, Research Paper

The secret to happiness

Not everyone believes that the person who dies with the most toys win; there are those that believe that happiness is a state of mind. In the present social order where success has become synonymous with contentment, the definition of happiness has been redefined. Although wealth can make an individual feel fulfilled, some still believe that material possessions do not equate to happiness.

Overachievers have the constant desire to possess everything. Their very existence is driven by this purpose. Overachievers are not content with the basic necessities or the simple possessions, they must go further than everyone else and own the world. Typically, overachievers are easy to recognize; they will often own the biggest house, the best-manicured lawn in the neighborhood, and the latest available model of vehicles.

Contented individuals, on the other hand, are more difficult to discern; they are typically happy with what they own, blending easily with the rest of society. They are least mindful of the blemishes associated with life?s normal wear and tear; the old Toyota (with two hundred thousand miles clocked in) is still considered a gem, last year?s wardrobe is still good for another two years. There is no need for a new house every five years, or a pedigree to complete the picture of a perfect household.

Another trait that makes high-achievers distinctive is how they spend their time. To these ?planner-driven- creatures?, effective time management is utilizing the clock in the most practical, productive method. It is not unusual to find them in training classes designed to squeeze in even more productive time in a day. High-achievers live by their daily planners, they wake up, shower, eat, work, and even play according to a schedule created days in advance. There is no space for unexpected situations, and certainly none for whimsical behaviors. Although financially successful in life, high achievers are monotonous, predictable, and boring people.

On the contrary, satisfied individuals can afford to take the time to enjoy life. Their lack of desire to own material possessions allow them moments of serenity. They will strive to obtain the basic necessities, but will reserve the remaining time of day for leisure activities. Contented individuals know that precious time is best spent on simple pastimes that enriches the soul; such as tending the garden, watching Saturday morning cartoons with their children, or maybe an unhurried walk in a nature trail. As in Britt?s essay ?The lean and hungry look?, they would rather spend the whole day working on jigsaw puzzles; mulching boxwoods for the sake of efficiency has no appeal to them.

By far the biggest difference between these two personalities lie in what they leave behind. It is true that high-flyers accomplish great feats, but often they are remembered only as a postscript to their achievements. Great CEOs that lead their companies to soaring heights are remembered for what they attained within the confines of huge, cold granite buildings, within walls of isolated conference rooms–their ideas dissected and examined–sometimes gracing the contents of management textbooks. Their theme of accomplishment remains, but the human beings behind it are relegated as background information–nothing more.

On the other hand, individuals who have mastered the art of enjoying the simple life are remembered for their profound wisdom. The Dalai Lama, Mother Teresa, and Mahatma Gandhi are individuals that have transcended the necessity of material wealth and have chosen to live in simplicity. They are well known for their contributions to humanity, for their unselfish acts of charity, sacrifice, and compassion. They?ve earned the respect of world leaders, prominent political figures, and the richest people all over the world. Their achievements were recognized with the Nobel Peace Prize, and their lives have been chronicled in every language known to man.

It is a widely held notion that the possession of worldly goods is the pinnacle of ones existence. Unfortunately, those who live by this conviction become automatons deriving no pleasure from life. Perhaps a shift in philosophy is necessary; wealth by itself does not make a man happy, happiness is achieved only by realizing ones full potential.