The Grand Illusion

Since our early years the majority of us have been sold and bought into the narrative that we can have it all – anytime, anywhere, anyhow. We hold on to a vision of life, which follows a pretty straight and upward trajectory. We conceptualise a trajectory with similar levels repeating along the way, which are constant in terms of progress. This is the dream life or what I call the Grand Illusion.

Instead, life is not that predictable or in fact that simple. Sorry to burst your bubble but life simply doesn’t work that way. Life presents to us ups and downs, twists, and turns with surprises and patterns along the way – this is called real life!

Stop judging, find happiness

When we learn to STOP judging, comparing and putting our own expectations on others things start to change.  In his book 'The Happiness Advantage', Shaun Achor reminds us that that way we perceive the world ultimately becomes our reality. We often make the mistake of believing that happiness comes from chasing and acquiring the dream life only to be disappointed when real life shows up.  So if we can learn to change the lens by which we view the world we can ultimately change our reality for the better i.e. we can learn to be happy now rather than putting it off. 

Lesson: When things are good enjoy it for all that it brings as everything we enjoy and have is temporary. View it as borrowed because bad may be just around the corner! Likewise when you label something as bad take hope from the situation as again it's temporary and good may just be around the corner.

This week’s Life Saver

Aim to work towards becoming more realistic about your misconceptions of the dream life.  Developing gratitude for what you have now as opposed to what you do not have is a fast track method to bringing more happiness into your life. 

Every day for the next 30 days practice gratitude for 3 things you are grateful for and watch your happiness improve.