February 25, 2025

Why Happiness Happens When You Stop Chasing It

11 minutes

In this thought-provoking episode, Scott Smith dives into Viktor Frankl's timeless wisdom from "Man's Search for Meaning," sharing insights that challenge conventional views on success and happiness. Scott reveals why chasing success often leads to missing it entirely, and how true fulfillment comes as a byproduct of dedicating yourself to something greater.

Drawing from personal experiences and philosophical insights, Scott explains the evolution of his own understanding about motivation and what really gets in people's way. He introduces his four-pillar framework that forms the foundation of his coaching practice, offering listeners a practical approach to finding genuine meaning in their lives.

Whether you're feeling stuck at a crossroads or simply seeking deeper fulfillment, this episode provides a refreshing perspective on how to live with purpose beyond the pursuit of fleeting happiness.

Featured Story

Scott shares how his unpredictable friend Sid introduced him to Viktor Frankl's "Man's Search for Meaning" years ago, a book that profoundly impacted his perspective. Despite Sid disappearing from his life 18 years ago, the wisdom he shared through this book continues to influence Scott's thinking about success, happiness, and finding meaning—demonstrating how meaningful connections can leave lasting impacts even when people move on.

Key Takeaways

Success and happiness cannot be directly pursued—they emerge naturally as side effects of dedication to something greater than yourself

Life's obstacles ("life getting in the way") are often more significant than motivation in determining outcomes

Transformation can happen instantly after years of preparation—what Tony Robbins calls "change happens in an instant"

The "pain line" is that moment when you decide something is completely unacceptable and must change

True fulfillment follows a progression: passion leads to purpose, which creates meaning, which builds legacy

Focusing on the process rather than outcomes leads to more sustainable happiness

Small daily actions aligned with your values ultimately define your legacy

Memorable Quotes

"Don't aim for success. The more you aim at it and make it a target, the more you're going to miss it." - Viktor Frankl

"Happiness must happen. And the same holds for success. You have to let it happen by not caring about it." - Viktor Frankl

"The biggest problem was life getting in the way. It was the solution to the motivation." - Scott Smith

Scott's Three-Step Approach

Discover Your Passion - Allow yourself to bumble and stumble until you find something that genuinely catches your attention and excites you, without forcing it.

Transform Passion into Purpose - Invest time in your passion until it becomes something you do with intention, getting up each day with clear direction.

Embrace Meaning as a Byproduct - Stop chasing happiness directly and instead focus on being fully present in what you're doing, allowing meaning to emerge naturally.

Connect With Scott:

Search for The Daily Boost on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Email: [email protected]

Visit: https://www.faceyourpassion.com/

Learn More: https://www.9minuteclaritycode.com/

Visit: https://www.perfectweekplanner.com/

Learn More: https://www.dailyawarenessdiary.com/

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

...more

View all episodes

By Scott Smith - Motivation and Coaching

3.9

12741,274 ratings