In America, we’re taught that a good life is a happy life. Many of us have spent the core of our adult lives chasing success and happiness, but does accomplishing more really make us happier?

Perhaps there is another path to wellbeing that’s deeper and far more fulfilling. In this episode, author Emily Esfahani Smith reveals why happiness isn’t a destination — and why we should seek meaning instead. 

We’ll hear powerful lessons from Emily on what steps we can take to strive toward building a life of joy, meaning, or purpose. 

In this episode, we discussed:

• Why the pursuit of happiness represented in our culture is flawed
  
  
• Four research-backed pillars for building a meaningful life
  
  
• How Emily discovered the undeniable connection between purpose and contribution
  
  
• The power of the attitude you bring to daily life (and why it matters more than you may think)
  
  
• Emily’s inspiring advice on simple ways to make your life more meaningful
  
  
• The question of universal principles for happiness and defining your life’s purpose

 

• Why it’s normal to go through phases of life where you don’t feel purpose or meaning

 

Links

The Power of Meaning: Crafting a Life That Matters by Emily Esfahani Smith

Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl