How to Find Real Happiness by Staying Active and Curious

How to Find Real Happiness by Staying Active and Curious - Photo by Anastasiia Tarasova on Unsplash

There’s a kind of magic in being active and curious. Starting new projects, trying new things, and moving forward with your ideas can completely change your life. If you’re always waiting for the perfect moment to begin something, you’ll find that the right time never really comes. Maybe you tell yourself you’re too busy, you don’t have enough money, or you just don’t feel ready. These excuses pile up, and while you’re waiting, nothing changes—except you get older and lose precious time and energy.

If you want to do something, or you’re curious about a new project, don’t hesitate. If you see that a project you started isn’t working, don’t get stuck. There’s no point in being stubborn about something that’s not taking off. Close that chapter, put it aside, and start something new. By being proactive, you give yourself the chance to find what really works for you.

Let me share a personal story. About twelve years ago, I started a project called pH7 CMS, a platform for creating dating websites and apps. For a while, it went well—I even sold a professional version and had a company in the UK. But things changed. The needs of users and the internet shifted, and I realized it was time to move on. I decided to make the project open source and stop selling the professional version. This freed up my time and energy for new projects that were more relevant. Closing one project allowed me to open a new chapter, both in my work and in my life.

This approach works for travel and life changes too. If you feel the urge to travel or live somewhere else, do it. Life is short, and you only get one shot. If you let fear hold you back, you might regret it later. On your deathbed, you won’t regret the things you tried, even if they didn’t work out. You’ll regret the things you never did.

It’s important to follow your dreams and finish your projects. Having dreams in progress keeps you motivated and active. But it’s just as important to actually complete some of them. Creating and finishing projects is what brings real satisfaction.

For example, I recently updated a video for my “lifestyle job” course. I love working on these kinds of projects because they help people build a life that fits them. I share tips, tools, and advice for organizing your life, staying safe online, and even finding the right coworking spaces. I go deep into these topics because I want to help you create a life you love.

How to Find Real Happiness by Staying Active and Curious - Photo by Uliana Semenova on Unsplash

Traveling is another way to create memories and life experiences. I remember a trip to Belgium, where I visited a cupcake shop in Waterloo. These moments stick with you much more than any gadget or thing you buy. Life experiences are what help you grow and learn.

I once noted down advice from a Dutch influencer: spend your money on life experiences, not on things. Buying new gadgets or furniture might feel good for a moment, but it’s the experiences—like traveling, trying new foods, or learning something new—that you’ll remember and cherish.

Here’s a simple list of what truly brings happiness: being with people you care about, eating healthy food, exercising regularly, helping others, doing meaningful work, lowering your expectations sometimes, reflecting on your thoughts, and having freedom. These are the things that matter most in the long run.

You become what you eat, the people you spend time with, and the thoughts you have. These shape your success and happiness over time.

Spend your money on life experiences, not on things. What you remember in the end are the moments, not the gadgets.

— Unknown

Life is short, and you only get one shot. Don’t let fear stop you from living the life you want.

— Pierre

Key Takeaways

How to Find Real Happiness by Staying Active and Curious - Photo by Eugene on Unsplash

• Don’t wait for the perfect moment—start now.
• If a project isn’t working, move on to something new.
• Life experiences matter more than things.
• Surround yourself with good people, eat well, exercise, and help others.
• Lower your expectations sometimes to avoid frustration.
• Freedom and meaningful work are key to happiness.

Action Steps

• Start that project you’ve been thinking about.
• Let go of what’s not working.
• Plan a trip or try something new.
• Reflect on what truly makes you happy.

Reflection

What’s one thing you’ve always wanted to do but keep putting off? What’s stopping you from starting today?