The Happiness of Pursuit: 7 Steps To Accomplish Anything & Enjoy It Along The Way

 

If anyone has ever read a post written by me before, listened to an interview or simply had a chat about self improvement, they will know I am frequently asked (and address) the common question – ‘what is the most important aspect to self improvement’ – my answer, without hesitation, is always the same: take action. There are 7 steps that will change (or start) your course. Something that will help change your thinking (as it did mine) from simply pursuing happiness, to finding happiness in the pursuit.

1. Find out who you are and what you want

This is the basis for everything. You are the basis of you. This is perhaps the most scary part on the whole list – finding out who you truly are – but it is also the most crucial. You have to take the time to ask yourself the hard questions, even if you’re afraid of the answers. But it is only by truly knowing who you really are that you can discover what will truly makes you happy. What excites you? What are you good at? What makes you want to get out of bed early and will keep you buzzing to stay up late? What matters to you. Be honest.
Once you have drilled down to a handful of criteria, you can start mapping out your plan.

2. Set your goals

Dreams are nothing without goals. Goals make dreams (and you) accountable. Write them down. Where do you want to be. How are you going to get their. With a succinct set of goals there is a clear vision for where you are and where you want to be. This literal interpretation, in the form of goals, is the blue print or map you need, to be able to chart your course.

3. Break those goals down into mini benchmarks

Once you have you’re larger ‘plan’ in place, it is necessary to break those larger goals (or goal) into palatable bite sized, mini benchmarks. For instance, it is a novel goal to sail across the ocean (as a young teenager does in The Happiness of Pursuit) but without breaking that loftier goal into baby steps, it’s almost impossible to make happen. What training do I need? What equipment do I need? What case studies do I need to memorize?
It’s called doing the upfront work and there is no shortcut. Again, here I am reminded of Yoda’s words. You are accountable to only you when it comes to living up to your full potential. ‘Do or do not. There is no try.’

4. Go DO It

If you’ve gotten to this part, you’ve already done most of the heavy lifting. You are prepared. You have learned. You are already better because of it. So know that. This is the where the adventure really begins.

‘Action is the foundational key to all success’ – Pablo Picasso

It’s here where it’s time to jump of that metaphorical cliff. Unchain yourself. Take action. Doing is the only thing that does. What else is there to say. You’ve done the work – so dive in. This is the ultimate award. This is where true happiness jumps off the page and onto the stage. This is where one finds the happiness of pursuit.

5. Measure your success

Once you’ve taken the leap, it will be contagious. Trust me. It doesn’t mean everything you do will be a success, but this is how you learn. This is where you learn to find as much joy in failure as in success. Learning is success.
This is where it is important, however, to make sure you are on the right track, so it is important to check in and measure how you’re doing. How you’re feeling. Where you can pivot and when to keep attacking.

6. Be open to a course change

One of the great things about finding joy through the process is that it allows for perspective. Of course you should always keep your larger goal or quest in mind – that’s why you’re doing all of this after all, but remember: things change, people change, circumstances change and ultimately, your goal can change or alter slightly, if you’re conscious and aware of the process. Be open to the unexpected outcome or emotion – this is how we learn and grow. This is what the journey is all about – not just getting to the end but all of the unexpected magic that happens along the way. So be flexible and open to the whatever experience comes your way, knowing you’ve done the work.

7. Do it all over again

Life is a system of cycles. We can always be learning, growing, enjoying. Once you have accomplished whatever quest you’ve set out to conquer, don’t rest on your laurels. Set new goals. New standards. Press on. Start again. Feel scared and unsure – this is the very essence of life – working through all of this. So, while I doubt I’ll have much convincing to do (the thrill of the pursuit of accomplishment, itself is more than enough of an incentive) – I will end as I started: ‘A body in motion, stays in motion’ and who the hell wants to be stuck?