Why You Struggle to Find Happiness (And How to Cultivate Joy Starting Today)

Be honest—how often do you find yourself chasing happiness, only to feel like it keeps slipping through your fingers? You hit milestones, check off goals, buy the things you thought would make you feel fulfilled… but that deep sense of joy and peace still feels just out of reach.

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. I see this all the time—driven, intelligent, hard-working people stuck in the cycle of “I’ll be happy when…” only to find that the happiness they were chasing is temporary at best.

The truth? Most people struggle to find happiness because they’re looking in the wrong places.

But the good news? Once you understand why, you can break the cycle and start experiencing true, lasting joy—starting today.

The 3 Biggest Reasons You Struggle to Find Happiness

1. You’re Chasing the Wrong Definition of Happiness

Most of us have been conditioned to believe that happiness comes from external achievements—money, status, the perfect relationship, the dream house, the body transformation, the big promotion.

But here’s what no one tells you: happiness isn’t something you achieve—it’s something you create.

Think about it—how many times have you told yourself, “I’ll be happy when…”? And when you finally got there, how long did that happiness last before you needed something else?

That’s because external success can only provide a temporary high. Real joy? That comes from within.

2. You’re Letting Your Mind Work Against You

Your brain is wired for survival, not happiness. That means it’s constantly scanning for what’s wrong, what’s missing, and what could go wrong next. It’s why you can accomplish something incredible and still focus on the one thing that didn’t go perfectly.

If you don’t train your mind, it will always default to negativity.

This is why so many people struggle with self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and the feeling of “never enough.” Their brain is running outdated programming that keeps them stuck in fear, comparison, and perfectionism—robbing them of the joy that’s available right now.

3. You’re Waiting for Happiness Instead of Cultivating It

Most people think happiness is something they find, but that’s not how it works.

Happiness is a skill. A practice. A choice.

It’s not about waiting for your circumstances to change—it’s about changing how you show up for your life right now.

How to Cultivate Joy (Starting Today)

Here’s the truth: if you want to experience more joy, you have to actively cultivate it. And the best part? You don’t have to wait. You can start today with these simple but powerful shifts:

1. Redefine Happiness on Your Terms

Ask yourself: What does joy actually feel like to me?
What lights me up?
What makes me feel alive?

Maybe it’s creativity, deep conversations, nature, movement, adventure, connection, presence, laughter. Start building your life around what genuinely fills your soul instead of what you think should make you happy.

2. Train Your Mind for Gratitude and Presence

Your mind naturally focuses on what’s missing, so you have to retrain it to focus on what’s already here. Every day, practice shifting your focus:

• Start and end your day with gratitude – Write down three things you’re grateful for.

• Savor small moments – Notice the warmth of the sun, the taste of your morning coffee, the way laughter feels in your body.

• Catch negative thoughts and reframe them – Instead of “I’m not where I want to be,” try “I’m growing every day.”

3. Prioritize Experiences Over Things

Studies show that experiences bring more lasting happiness than material things. Why? Because they create connection, meaning, and memories.

Instead of buying something new, invest in:

• A trip somewhere that excites you

• A class or workshop that expands your mind

• Quality time with people who light you up

4. Do One Thing Every Day That Brings You Joy

Happiness isn’t something you stumble upon—it’s something you create through daily choices.

Ask yourself: What’s one thing I can do today that will bring me joy? Then actually do it. It could be:

• Dancing to your favorite song

• Journaling

• Cooking a meal you love

• Taking a walk outside

• Saying no to something that drains you

Small, consistent moments of joy compound over time into a deeply fulfilling life.

If you’ve been struggling to find happiness, it’s not because you’re broken or incapable—it’s because you’ve been looking in the wrong places.

Real, lasting joy isn’t something you achieve “someday.” It’s something you cultivate in the present moment.

The question is: Are you willing to start today?

Happiness isn’t waiting for you in the future. It’s available right now—if you choose it.

The same lessons that helped me break free from the cycle of chasing happiness—only to feel unfulfilled—can help you, too.

These simple but powerful shifts have empowered thousands to stop seeking joy in all the wrong places and start creating it from within.

If you're ready to feel truly at peace, fulfilled, and present in your own life, start here.

Tap into my top resources now and begin your journey.

✨ Disclaimer: My coaching tools are designed to support personal growth but are NOT a replacement for therapy or professional mental health services.

With love & light,

Awakened Soul