"If it makes you happy, then go for it."

If you were told that all of your responsibilities and requirements could go away for one hour right now, what would you do?  See, it’s not that easy to answer is it. That’s because we get so caught up in the to do lists and the objectives.  We forget at the heart of it all, the work we do is all in the name of happiness. So, why do we sacrifice that so often?

There is one word in the quote that really stands out, and it’s not happy. It’s the word “you”.  "If it makes you happy, then go for it."  It’s already hard enough deciding what to do in the free hour scenario I previously explained, but now let’s get out of our heads and be practical.  Are you really doing what makes you happy? Or, is it possible you’re happiness is being biased or guided by your understanding of what others believe makes you happy? Honestly, social norms are strong and often act at a level we can’t perceive. The only way to truly do what makes you happy is to take a step back and reflect.

I get it. Life doesn’t go according to plan, and sometimes it takes a step or two backward to go forward. There are necessary evils that may not be joyful in the moment but they contribute to a larger, ultimate joy.  Well, I would encourage you, if that’s the case, and you’re clear on what makes you happy, then go for it!