All Episodes

March 31, 2021 16 mins

What if our pursuit of happiness is all wrong?

What if our pursuit of happiness is the exact thing that's keeping us most unhappy?

Here’s what I think is the truth: The more we pursue happiness, the less happy we’re going to be.

Is happiness a product we should pursue?

Or is happiness a product of something else? Can we seek happiness unto itself? Or is happiness a natural byproduct when we’re pursuing something else meaningful?

When we pursue happiness unto itself we end up merely pursuing a distraction from our unhappiness.


When we pursue being happy we usually come back feeling more miserable than before. Like going on that epic road trip to find happiness, only to return, and having more problems there waiting for you than when you started. 

I do want you to be happy. So stop pursuing it. Instead, pursue these things instead. 

 Find a consistent spring of life rather than trying to drink from the dried-up creek of happiness.

Read more about this in my new book 25 Lies Twentysomethings Need to Stop Believing. 

Mark as Played

Advertise With Us

Popular Podcasts

Bookmarked by Reese's Book Club

Bookmarked by Reese's Book Club

Welcome to Bookmarked by Reese’s Book Club — the podcast where great stories, bold women, and irresistible conversations collide! Hosted by award-winning journalist Danielle Robay, each week new episodes balance thoughtful literary insight with the fervor of buzzy book trends, pop culture and more. Bookmarked brings together celebrities, tastemakers, influencers and authors from Reese's Book Club and beyond to share stories that transcend the page. Pull up a chair. You’re not just listening — you’re part of the conversation.

Dateline NBC

Dateline NBC

Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

Stuff You Should Know

Stuff You Should Know

If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.

Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.