“Why are you so happy?”
I didn’t know how to answer.
“What do you mean?”
“Like, did something happen?”
I wanted to reply with: “Well, I woke up today!”
But I didn’t.
Instead, I asked:
“Does being happy require a reason?”
She replied:
“Well, for the most part, yes. I think so.”
This conversation took place right after a keynote.
For a room of high performing CEO’s/ Leaders.
Many of which were the leaders in their space.
It was the SVP of a Fortune 1000.
“So, what reasons do you need to be happy?”
She paused.
“A lot. And I think that’s what keeps me from feeling it.”
I could see tears starting to form.
What she didn’t realize is that her story…
Was mine too.
And isn’t it the same for so many of us?
We make these crazy ‘I’ll feel happy when’ rules that are IMPOSSIBLE to meet?
We say:
“I’ll be happy once I get to $X in the bank.”
“I’ll be happy once I lose the 20lbs.”
“I’ll be happy once I’m promoted.”
Then it finally happens…
And we feel nothing.
Because the yard stick moved.
We changed the goal.
And as a result,
Our happiness got pushed to a future date.
All this to say:
You’ve already achieved many of the things *YOU SAID* would make you happy.
So, let yourself experience it for a change.
Celebrate the wins.
Have gratitude for the growth.
Acknowledge how far you’ve come.
I am all for achievement.
I am all for setting goals and striving toward them.
But if we don’t enjoy ourselves along the way…
We did it wrong.
Decide to bring joy to the day.
Decide to feel accomplished.
Decide to be happy.
Life is too short not to be.
Let’s make it an extraordinary week!
Your friend,
Juan Bendana
Keynote Speaker | Author of Confidence By Choice
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