Pursuit of Happyness

When an enlightenment guru like John Locke championed “property” as an ideal in life, it took a pragmatist to recognize the deeper value of “happiness” as a better alternative.

Thomas Jefferson captured this shift when he replaced ‘life, liberty, and property’ with ‘life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness’ in the U.S. Declaration of Independence – thus creating one of the most iconic expressions of a nation’s founding ideals.

It could have been so much better if it read – ‘life, liberty, and constant gratification.’ But alas…

To be clear, there’s nothing inherently wrong with the daily highs of achieving a goal, receiving recognition, or indulging in novelty. But euphoria isn’t the same as happiness.

The high of completing a goal-directed action feels exciting and pleasurable, but it’s not the same as the satisfaction and peace of completing a mindful activity. The difference is subtle – dopamine versus serotonin, but the consequences of these hormones are significant.

Unfortunately, this distinction is so subtle, that it feels like evolution’s joke on humanity: Let’s make the hormones for happiness and neurosis almost identical – good luck figuring it out, mortals!

The pursuit of happiness isn’t a destination. It’s a daily practice of balance between dopamine (short bursts of excitement, reward, and motivation) and serotonin (long-term emotional stability through mindful productivity).

Think of dopamine as fireworks: bright, fleeting, and never quite enough. Serotonin, on the other hand, is the quiet whisper that says, ‘You’re enough’. This is precisely why happiness is something you must consciously practice – one deliberate, meaningful act at a time.

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Rx: One happy task, daily.

As you plan your day,

Prioritize just one task that guarantees happiness and satisfaction. It could be a run, a video call with your parents, journaling that wild business idea, or reading a bedtime story to your child.
Set a reminder for this activity and “tackle it” with the same determination you’d give to a work deadline.
Finally, jot down a quick gratitude note. For example: ‘I’m grateful I went for that run today.’ Take a moment to breathe deeply and feel the gratitude.

This daily habit is a small but powerful way to let serotonin work its magic, building the foundation for long-term happiness and mental well-being.