Paul’s Take #11: Achievement vs. Fulfillment: Unraveling the Truth About Happiness

Win Monday with Paul Epstein

Jan 14 2024 • 6 mins

In this episode, Paul delves into his insightful discussions with Marshall Goldsmith and Scott Osman from the 100 Coaches organization. While many believe that happiness stems directly from achievements, Paul challenges this notion. He shares his realization that milestones, like becoming a bestselling author, don't guarantee lasting happiness. Instead, Paul emphasizes the importance of valuing the present moment and deriving joy from simply "being happy because," rather than constantly chasing future accomplishments.

The conversation wraps up with Paul highlighting gratitude and present-moment awareness as essential pillars of genuine happiness. Don't miss this enlightening episode as we explore the keys to lifelong contentment!

Key Takeaways

  • Achievement does not equate to happiness; this is a common misconception that can lead to a sense of letdown after reaching goals.
  • Tying happiness to achievements creates a cycle of dissatisfaction, as the pursuit of the next goal never ends.
  • Happiness is earned through a mindset shift, focusing on being happy in the present rather than waiting for future events.
  • It's important to enjoy the journey of life and not solely focus on the destination or future goals.
  • The pursuit of happiness is a continuous journey that requires conscious effort and a positive perspective on life.

In This Episode:

  • [00:10] The misconception that achievement leads to happiness
  • [01:20] External happiness trap
  • [02:23] The realization that happiness is a lifelong quest
  • [03:36] Mindset shift for happiness
  • [04:40] Encouragement to focus on present happiness

Notable Quotes

  • [01:20] "I had tied so much of what I thought would make me happy to becoming a bestselling author because that's what so many people around me said mattered." – Paul
  • [[02:23] "We reach the pinnacle, and then there's this massive letdown because we've never truly 'made it'; it's a lifelong journey." – Paul
  • [04:40] "Instead of saying 'I'll be happy when...', the mindset shift is 'I am happy because...', focusing on what we already have." - Paul

Resources and Links

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Paul Epstein