The Myth of Constant Happiness

Kristijan Musek Lešnik
Nov 14, 2025
2 min read

Updated: 3 days ago

The pressure to “be happy” often backfires. Positive psychology doesn’t sell shortcuts; it shows that durable happiness emerges from relationships, purpose, positive emotions, and deep engagement. Happiness isn’t a 24/7 target—it’s a by-product of living with meaning, connection, and engagement: it doesn't happen by chasing joy—but by cultivating the conditions where it shows up.

One of the greatest delusions of our time is the modern obsession with happiness. The pressure to be constantly happy only adds frustration for those who are struggling or feeling unhappy.

There are no shortcuts to genuine happiness. Shortcuts to its material substitutes may offer brief comfort, but they cannot heal the deeper sense of emptiness or discontent within.

Happiness Is Not a Treasure at the End of the Rainbow

Happiness is not a prize to be found at the end of a rainbow. It is often a spontaneous side effect — something that happens when we do meaningful things, with people who matter to us.

We don’t discover happiness by chasing it. We stumble upon it while being deeply engaged in activities that give us a sense of purpose and connection.

What Positive Psychology Really Tell Us about Happiness

Positive psychology does not preach that we should strive for happiness at all costs. Rather, it recognizes that people who build strong relationships, experience positive emotions, pursue meaningful goals, and engage deeply in what they value tend to become happier as a natural consequence of how they live — not because they chase happiness itself.