PART II - YOU

What do You Want Out of Life?

(Write your own answer before continuing)

This is a tough question, but everyone should ask themselves not only what they want, but why they want it. Fortunately, most people in the Western world would not answer “enough to eat”. However, too many people focus solely on themselves and external things when they answer this question:

• “I want to make a lot of money and retire early.”
   
• “I want Prince Charming to sweep me off my feet and take care of me.”
   
• “I want power and respect.”

...and so on.  Few people achieve these kinds of wants, and even if they do, they rarely find the happiness they expected. Why? - because they focused on the trappings, and, in some cases, tread on others to get them.  Their stories include:

• The man who worked hard, made a lot of money, and retired early, but committed suicide because life was empty.
   
• The woman whose Prince Charming left her for a younger woman.
   
• The CEO who had to constantly guard his back from others who wanted his job.

These people did not understand that you cannot be selfish and be truly happy.  The trappings of success in any endeavor should not be a goal but a byproduct of a nobler goal. If the trappings come, that’s great, but if not, do not fret. Real happiness and satisfaction in life comes from family, friends, love, helping others, and, many believe, a personal relationship with God.

There is nothing wrong with having goals (e.g. a big house, a new car, a promotion, etc.) and working hard to achieve them.  But when the pursuit of worldly goals or pleasures causes one to mistreat or neglect oneself or others, especially loved ones, that person will invariably pay a heavy price.

If you are not convinced, look for examples around you.  Look below the surface and not just at the image put forth. A person’s long-term happiness quotient will have almost nothing to do with what they own or control, but will be greatly affected by how they treat, and are treated by, other people.