How to Find Real Happiness Without Chasing Perfection

How to Find Real Happiness Without Chasing Perfection - Photo by Marija Zaric on Unsplash

What does it really mean to have a fulfilling life? This question comes up again and again, and for good reason. I believe the purpose of life is to be fulfilled, to be happy, and to live a life that truly fits you. If you love your life, if it feels right and you enjoy it, then you’re already on the right path.

But how do you actually create a beautiful, satisfying life? Let’s get practical.

The Power of Challenge

We all need challenges. I remember reading the book Flow by the Hungarian psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi. He led one of the largest studies on happiness, asking thousands of people at random moments how they felt, what they were doing, and how happy they were. The results were clear: we need challenge. We need to push ourselves. We like to feel loved, we crave freedom, and yes, we enjoy recognition for our work.

Setting Your Own Challenges

Challenges are essential, even if you work for yourself. For example, if you’re a freelancer, set yourself goals like delivering an open-source project by the end of the month, or writing three articles for Medium or another blogging platform. Maybe your challenge is to find new clients every month. The key is to write down your challenges and review them regularly. Every Monday morning, go over your list. This habit keeps you motivated and on track.

How to Find Real Happiness Without Chasing Perfection - Photo by Ty Williams on Unsplash

Give Value and Ask for Feedback

Another important point is to bring as much value as possible to your clients or audience. Don’t be shy about asking for reviews or feedback. If you do good work, you’ll get five-star reviews, which will help your reputation. You can even publish a book and present yourself as an author. Recognition matters, and it’s okay to seek it.

Freedom in Your Routine

We also need freedom. It’s important to have a flexible daily routine, but you also need to take action. Don’t fall into the trap of procrastination. How many times have you found yourself putting off simple things, like taking a shower or starting work? The trick is to set up triggers. For example, after your morning coffee, go for a short walk, and as soon as you get home, start working. Make it automatic.

Tricks to Beat Procrastination

Here’s a tip I use: if there’s a task I keep putting off, I’ll go to a café with my laptop and no charger. I promise myself I’ll finish the task before my battery runs out. This is based on Parkinson’s Law: work expands to fill the time available. If you limit your time, you’ll get things done faster.

You can also book a long flight, like France to Japan or New Zealand, and promise yourself to finish the draft of your book before you land. With no internet and nowhere to go, you have no choice but to write. Or, book a nice hotel room and commit to finishing your project before you check out. The cost will motivate you, and you’ll want to enjoy the hotel’s gym, pool, or buffet once you’re done.

There are many ways to push yourself to complete tasks quickly and simply. The most important thing is to find what works for you and stick with it.

Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions.

— Dalai Lama

How to Find Real Happiness Without Chasing Perfection - Photo by Felicia Buitenwerf on Unsplash

The best way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.

— Walt Disney

Key Takeaways

• Set yourself regular challenges, even small ones.
• Review your goals weekly to stay motivated.
• Deliver value and don’t hesitate to ask for feedback.
• Create routines that allow for both freedom and action.
• Use creative tricks to beat procrastination and finish tasks.

Reflection

• What challenge can you set for yourself this week?
• How can you make your routine both flexible and productive?
• What’s one task you’ve been putting off, and how can you make it easier to start?