There are three words that most Americans know, or should know, “Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness”. It’s in the Declaration of Independence, naming the “three unalienable rights” that all people have as citizens of the United States.
Today, I want to focus on “the pursuit of happiness” because that is at the core of what I do. As a growth catalyst, I work with clients every day who are in the “pursuit of happiness” both in the organizations that they lead and in their personal lives.
What I have recognized is that the real meaning of the “pursuit of happiness” is often misinterpreted. This is explained by Arthur M. Schlesinger in his 1964 article, The Lost Meaning of the “Pursuit of Happiness” published in the William & Mary Quarterly.
Schlesinger pointed out that we often misinterpret the meaning of “pursuit” in the Declaration of Independence. We forget to realize that the word has two meanings. It could either mean a “quest” for something, as many often believe it to be or the “practice” of it. Schlesinger argues that the Declaration of Independence refers to the “practicing of happiness” and not the seeking.
The Declaration of Independence is asserting every American’s right to BE HAPPY! This is great news! But why, then, do so many of us feel as though the “pursuit of happiness” is a lifelong, exhausting struggle toward an ideal that perhaps does not even exist? Why are we overworked, burnt-out, and overwhelmed? Why are we so burdened by our responsibilities that we forget that we really are free?
It is because so many of us are caught up in the “rat race”. We are so concerned with what is happening around us that we neglect to consider what really matters most to us. We are consumed by the media, the competition, and the latest trend, so we don’t take the time to clearly define what we really want in life or business.
So many of us are striving toward happiness as if it were an unknown goal. We believe we will figure it out when we get there but the truth is, we are free to be happy – right now! But how?
First, we need to define what happiness looks like to us. It is personal to every individual. As leaders in business, we need to make our businesses work for us (See The S.E.D.O Tool) and not spend every minute of our lives working for our business.
We need to have a crystal-clear focus on where we want to go and a detailed roadmap (strategy) to get there but we must not forget to take the time to rest. And contrary to popular belief, I do not think that perusing the internet is resting. It is a time-waster, yes, but it does nothing to rejuvenate or relax us. We can use that time to do something that really has a positive impact on our well-being. We are only free when we practice that freedom.
Most importantly, we need to actively enjoy life. One way I do this and also suggest to my clients and their teams, is to celebrate each success, even the smallest ones. Every step toward your goal is worthy of recognition and appreciation. You are worthy of celebration!
Start writing down your successes and take some time to truly appreciate them at the end of each day. It will make a world of difference in your attitude and in your life. If you need help doing this, you can start with this Celebrate Your Success Worksheet.
Franklin D. Roosevelt said, “In the truest sense, freedom cannot be bestowed; it must be achieved.” We can achieve our freedom to be happy each day by allowing ourselves to practice it.
