Most of us wander through life applying the same run down approach toward achieving happiness. We seek recognition, praise, money and more possessions in hopes that they will bring us contentment.
But even if we achieve them (all of the honor, accolades, mansions and millions of dollars in the bank account) unfortunately they still won’t provide us with the feeling of inner joy that we long for.
It’s true that they may boost our confidence, ego and eliminate money problems, but we’ll still be the same person more or less that we are now (along with a whole new set of problems to deal with).
So what then you might ask, can one do to actually attain what we truly want?
A highly effective technique that can be applied is called inversion.
Billionaire investor Charlie Munger (business partner of Warren Buffet) once said, “It is remarkable how much long-term advantage people like us have gotten by trying to be consistently not stupid, instead of trying to be very intelligent… Invert, always invert: Turn a situation or problem upside down. Look at it backward”
By applying this concept, instead of thinking of how you can become happier, the inverse question would be something along the lines of how can I ensure I’ll live an unhappy life?
When you take this approach you’ll be surprised at what answers you come up with, and don’t be shocked if some or even most of them are things that you currently do in your life.
These are hard and indisputable truths that we must accept and work on eliminating or improving, and are what can lead us to the promised land.
So what exactly would guarantee one to live an unhappy life?
Off the top of my head, I’ve listed a handful below.
Not having quality and deeply meaningful relationships.
Focusing on what other people say, do and think, feeling envious often and constantly comparing yourself to them.
Not putting time and effort into improving yourself both mentally and physically.
Not appreciating everything that you have and realizing how quickly it can all be taken away.
Not pursuing your passions/interests that will bring you fulfillment.
Always looking for more and never being content with what you already have.
Not giving yourself enough love and care, or being humble and proud of yourself for your life.
When we focus on the inversion method we view things from a new perspective, one that can enable us to see the truth and start taking actionable steps towards ensuring that we gain an unwavering and deep sense of joy before life passes us by.
It’s by finding ways to prevent ourselves from living an unhappy existence that results in a life we can be happy, satisfied and proud of living.
“What a man is contributes much more to his happiness than what he has.” – Arthur Schopenhauer
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