How To Be Happy

March 31, 2025

How do you become happy? No fluff, no magic fixes—just two paths I’ve been mulling over. They’re different, they’re real, and they might just spark something for you. Let’s jump in and see where they take us.

Path 1: The Art of Renunciation

Picture this: happiness by letting it all go. No wants, no wishlist, no nagging itch for more. This first path is about renouncing desire and longing for nothing. It’s like a mental reset—ditch the noise of craving, and you’re left with calm. I think of it as a purge for the mind, trading ambition for stillness.

It’s old-school wisdom—think Buddhism or Stoicism. The logic’s tight: if wanting stuff you don’t have makes you miserable, stop wanting. No desire, no letdown. You don’t need a fat bank account or a fancy title—just a headspace that says, “This is enough.” It’s happiness on your terms, no outside approval required.

Here’s the rub, though: it’s tough. Letting go sounds chill until you realize how much we’re built to chase—goals, comfort, love. For me, sometimes it feels like fighting my own wiring. It takes grit and a stubborn kind of focus. Plus, it’s all about you—no big legacy, no world-changing vibes. Just your own quiet win.

Path 2: The Pursuit of Mastery

Now flip it: happiness from getting what you want. This second path is about material success—nailing your dreams, stacking wins, making it happen. Want a killer job? Earn it. Eyeing a dream trip or a side hustle that pops? Go for it. This is about grabbing life by the horns and riding it hard.

It’s loud and it’s bold. Think of the hustler building something from scratch, the creator blowing up online, the doer who shifts the game for tons of people. That’s the kicker here—unlike the first path, this one scales. Your wins don’t just lift you; they can hit hundreds, thousands, maybe millions. It’s happiness with a megaphone, leaving a dent in the universe.

But it’s not all smooth sailing. This road’s a grind—setbacks, late nights, and that sinking feeling when the goalpost shifts. I’ve been there: you hit a target, and it’s not enough, or life throws a curveball. Plus, not everyone’s got the same shot at it—resources and luck play a role. High stakes, high payoff, but man, it can wear you down.

Which Path Wins?

Here’s where it gets personal. The success path looks longer—more hurdles, more sweat—but for some, it’s the only one that clicks. The buzz of nailing it, the proof you did it, the chance to shape something big—it’s a rush. For me, though, the renunciation bit can feel harder. Letting go of drive sometimes feels like losing a piece of myself, especially when I’m wired to push.

On the flip side, renunciation’s got this unshakable vibe. World’s falling apart? You’re still good. No paycheck or applause can mess with you. It’s freedom, pure and simple—but it’s small. No empires, no crowds chanting your name. Just you, steady, while everything else spins.

A Bigger View

I like stepping back sometimes, looking at it all like we’re specks in a 13.8-billion-year-old story. Whether I’m chilling with nothing or chasing something epic, it’s all temporary. Maybe the trick isn’t picking one path—it’s knowing why I’m walking it. Am I shedding wants for peace, or grinding for a mark that lasts? Happiness isn’t the endgame either way—it’s what sneaks up when the path feels right.

Your Turn

So, what’s your take? Leaning toward the calm of less or the charge of more? No judgment—just curiosity. Hit me back if you feel like sharing; I’d love to hear how you’re figuring this out. Till next time, keep wrestling with the big stuff, and maybe crack a smile at how wild it all is.

— Degan
P.S. Got more to unpack on this? Let me know—I’ll remember where we left off and dive right back in.