Beyond the Hustle: A New Year's Resolution for True Happiness in 2024

Unplugging from the Hustle: A Resolution for Authentic Happiness in the New Year

A New Year’s Resolution for True Happiness

In our bustling community filled with type A go-getters, where New Year’s resolutions are as common as the morning coffee, a question looms large: Are we truly happy despite our relentless pursuit of success and achievement? As we run marathons, eat kale salads, and climb the career ladder, a lingering sense of contentment often eludes us. What can we strive for in 2024 that goes beyond the superficial and brings us genuine happiness?

The misconception that happiness lies in reaching a particular destination is pervasive in our fast-paced world. The pressure to succeed in high-pressure jobs and top-tier schools can lead to achievement and financial success, but it doesn’t necessarily translate into lasting satisfaction. The constant pursuit of a bigger, better deal – be it a fancier house, a sleeker car, or the never-ending quest for an idealized version of ourselves – keeps us on an elusive treadmill. We may be chasing the wrong things.

Arthur Brooks, happiness expert and co-author of “Build the Life You Want: The Art and Science of Getting Happier” along with Oprah Winfrey, challenges the conventional notion of happiness. He argues that the sustained joyful frolic we often envision isn’t attainable or meant to be. Instead, Brooks and Winfrey propose a combination of enjoyment and purpose derived from faith, family, friends, and meaningful work. By focusing on these pillars and adopting tools for equanimity, they believe we can all achieve happiness, regardless of our circumstances.

David Brooks, a New York Times columnist, echoes this sentiment as he criticizes what he calls the lies of meritocracy. In his pursuit of achievement and self-sufficiency, he experienced loneliness and a misplaced desire for reputation and productivity over deep relationships. Brooks emphasizes the importance of building community and giving the gift of attention. Making others feel seen and heard, he argues, is the key to cultivating close relationships, which a Harvard study suggests are crucial for lifelong happiness.

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In a world filled with distractions, to-do lists, and the constant barrage of social media, our most valuable currency is relationships. The late Barbara Pomerance, a shining example of a life well lived, understood this implicitly. She invested time in deep connections, listened attentively to others, and built a wide social network. Her focus on the sweetness of life, even in the face of its bitter moments, allowed her to pass away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of meaningful connections.

As we enter the new year, the advice is clear, whether you’re a high-powered mover and shaker or one of the few relaxed souls among us: Put the damn phone away. Slow down. Invest in your relationships. Consider how you can help others. Connect, in person, with the people you love. In a society that often glorifies the hustle, it’s time to shift our focus to what truly matters. Let 2024 be the year we prioritize happiness over success and find fulfillment in the simplicity of genuine connections. Happy New Year!

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