Why Happiness Is Closer Than You Think

In this talk, we discuss how the difference between expectation and reality is often the source of significant discontent. Life trains us to search for ideals: the perfect partner, job, life, outcome. Unfortunately this almost never arises and even if it did, it would be fleeting. Thus there is a real potential for ongoing and almost contentious self-inflicted suffering.

Thankfully, happiness is closer than you think. By embracing mindfulness we can begin to see and address the impact of our expectations.

Reviews

Really interesting. It fits in with the thought I keep having that if I went back to 18 yr old me and could see what I have now, I really have everything I would have wished for but yet it always seems like something is missing. I think it’s that social construct of the ‘perfect life’. I will work on gratitude I think. Thank you for that thought provoking talk ☺️🙏🏻

I think you are exactly 100 percent right.I am Gen x and the way I was taught to live was go to school,graduate, college, marriage,kids,and you will be a successful person.Now you look at these Instagram accounts with these younger people who are traveling, living how you wish you were and find myself comparing which brings my mental health down to the ground.I have to quickly stop,put it down, reflect on what I currently have and It does not mean I'm not successful because I didn't live up to the expected ways taught by TV or my parents, grandparents,etc and it doesn't mean I'm not successful because I'm not traveling across country in a van living the dream as these younger people.It means I need to reflect and know that I should be showing nothing but gratitude for what I have physical,and what I have as my character in myself.It is all a false ideal that we were conditioned as a child.I mean I look at anyone alive and say wow I get to spend time with this group of people for these few years on earth,then it starts all over with the next generation.To be alive I find it to be successful in this world.Much Love and Peace ❤️✌️

So much to reflect on here. This was perfect timing. I'm exploring the idea of dreams. To have a dream. What are my dreams? Which brought me to the belief that I've been assigning value to my "dreams"--- it's a dream of it's BIG and noteworthy. That assigned value is getting in my way.

Another great talk to make us think! It’s so true and most of us know we compare ourselves to social media….. but I love that you reframed it to say that perhaps we have what we’re are looking for… just in a different way than we expected! Thank you Zach!