Figuring Out What Makes You Happy for A More Fulfilling Life

Happiness is the meaning and the purpose of life, the whole aim and end of human existence.
— Aristotle

What does happiness mean to you? For some, it’s the thrill of freedom, the ability to travel the world or live spontaneously. For others, it’s the simple comfort of curling up with a good book in a quiet room.

Happiness is deeply personal, and figuring out what makes you truly happy can feel like solving a riddle. But here’s the thing: the answer is closer than you think.

Happiness and freedom are connected in ways that go beyond just financial or physical independence. Without understanding what genuinely brings you joy, you might find yourself chasing someone else’s version of happiness, never quite feeling fulfilled.

This is your call to pause, reflect, and start figuring out what makes you happy—because no one else can define that for you.

The Connection Between Happiness and Freedom

Happiness and freedom are like two sides of the same coin. They feed into each other, but neither is as simple as it might seem at first glance.

When we talk about freedom, it’s easy to focus on external factors—money, time, or physical independence. But true freedom goes deeper. It’s about having the emotional and mental space to explore who you are and what you want, without fear or guilt holding you back.

Too often, we get caught up in societal expectations—chasing the “right” career, house, or lifestyle. Freedom means letting go of those pressures and defining success on your terms.

When you live life on your own terms, everything changes. The things you love feel richer, more vibrant, because they’re chosen for you—not for anyone else. Freedom creates the space for happiness to flourish.

How to Figure Out What Makes You Happy

Finding your happiness doesn’t have to be overwhelming. It’s not about finding the perfect answer but about discovering what feels right for you, moment by moment.

1. Start with Reflection

Sometimes, the best way to understand what makes you happy is to take a step back and look at your life with curiosity and compassion.

  • Try journaling prompts: What moments in your life made you feel truly fulfilled? When were you last excited to wake up in the morning? Write down as many memories as you can—no judgment, no overthinking.

  • Ask yourself meaningful questions:

    • What activities make me lose track of time?

    • What do I always say I want to do but never make time for?

    • If I could remove one stressor from my life, what would it be?

Reflection isn’t about finding all the answers at once. It’s about planting seeds and letting them grow.

2. Imagine Your Ideal Life

Take a moment to dream up your ideal life. What would your perfect day look like if there were no limits?

  • Picture your mornings: Are you sipping coffee on a balcony, or diving into a creative project first thing?

  • Visualise your work: Are you leading a team, freelancing, or creating art?

  • Think about your evenings: Are they filled with laughter and people, or quiet moments to recharge?

Your ideal life might not be realistic right now, but these visions can reveal patterns about what you value most. Maybe you crave connection, or perhaps you thrive on solitude. Use these insights to guide your choices.

3. Listen to Your Intuition

Your intuition knows more than you think—if you’re willing to trust it.

  • Separate “should” from “want”: Society loves to tell us what we should do—what success, happiness, and freedom should look like. But happiness isn’t found in someone else’s blueprint. Tune into what feels right, not what looks good on paper.

  • Follow gut feelings: Think about the decisions that made you happiest in the past. Chances are, they didn’t come from overthinking but from a quiet, inner knowing. Trust that voice.

Listening to your intuition takes practice, especially if you’ve spent years tuning it out. Start small, and notice how it guides you.

Happiness and freedom are deeply personal, ever-evolving, and uniquely intertwined. By reflecting on what brings you joy, dreaming about your ideal life, and listening to your intuition, you can uncover a version of happiness that’s authentically yours. It’s not about getting it perfect—it’s about moving closer to what feels true.

Take it one step at a time. Start by asking yourself: What truly brings me joy? You might be surprised by what you uncover. And remember, this journey is yours alone.

Ready to take the first step? Download my free What Makes You Happy workbook to start exploring your personal path to happiness and freedom today.

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