Welcome to the 10th issue of That’s Philosophical! Twice a week, I send you inspirational ideas to become a more mindful person in a world that can’t take a break.
You can read the web version here.
Most people have a dream they are working towards. The reason behind it may be money or a more comfortable life, but the core goal is always the same- to be happy.
What if we don’t achieve our dreams? It’s an easy question, just find an antonym- sadness.
But is this enough to keep us going? Is being “sad” or “unhappy” a big enough stake to not achieving a goal?
The real reason we are going after something is excitement. We can’t live a life without emotions and experiences. That’s why we are not avoiding failure or being “sad”, we are avoiding boring life.
If you don’t achieve something, boredom is a more threatening punishment than sadness.
As Tim Ferris wrote:
The worst that could happen wasn't crashing and burning, it was accepting terminal boredom as a tolerable status quo.
Remember—boredom is the enemy, not some abstract "failure."
We are chasing our dreams for excitement.
Boredom is an absence of excitement. We hate boredom and we are avoiding it by doing something opposite.
Excitement is the more practical synonym for happiness, and it is precisely what you should strive to chase. It is the cure-all. When people suggest you follow your "passion" or your "bliss," I propose that they are, in fact, referring to the same singular concept: excitement.
This brings us full circle. The question you should be asking isn't, "What do I want?" or "What are my goals?" but "What would excite me?".
-Tim Ferris
But don’t get caught up with the thought of allowing yourself to be happy only after you achieve something. Every step you make is a reward in itself.
The journey helps you avoid boredom, not you reaching the goal. Do what excites you and let your heart be the compass!
Thanks for reading, enjoy what you do, and have a great weekend!
Read about the beautifully simple key to happiness.
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