Pursuing Happiness: Why Tangible Goals Might Not Be the Answer

What has plagued men for years: the pursuit of material possessions as a means of happiness. Men have been encouraged by society to seek things such as a fancy car, an expensive house, or a high-paying job, believing that these objects will bring them happiness. However, what they do not realize is that pursuing these objects may lead them to fall off an emotional cliff once they have achieved their goals.

The Pursuit of Happiness

Happiness and joy are byproducts of pursuing a high goal that is repeatable, meaning that the goal can never truly be completed, no matter how far one goes. Pursuing something intangible, such as being a good father, can lead to an infinite number of ways to satisfy that goal, and it is a goal that never ends. Every time one pursues an action to achieve that particular goal, they will have bursts of happiness and joy.

The Emotional Cliff of Tangible Goals

On the other hand, tangible goals such as earning a specific amount of money or building a specific number of homes can lead to the achievement of the goal, but once the goal is achieved, there is nothing in between. When one succeeds at a tangible goal, they then fall off an emotional cliff again afterwards. Therefore, it is better to set goals that are repeatable and intangible, such as building beautiful homes that satisfy the customers' needs, which can be repeated over and over again in different fashions and places.

Finding Happiness in the Intangible

These insights highlight the importance of setting goals that are repeatable and that never truly end. Pursuing intangible goals can lead to a sense of fulfillment and happiness that lasts a lifetime, while pursuing material possessions can lead to temporary happiness that fades once the goal is achieved. It is essential to focus on goals that bring lasting joy and satisfaction rather than pursuing objects that only bring temporary pleasure.