The secret of happiness is not in doing what one likes, but in liking what one does.
James Matthew Barrie
MEANING OF THIS QUOTE
As humans, it is not only okay, but even criminal for us not to have goals in life. However, we often become so engrossed in the pursuit of our dreams – of the future we have envisioned for ourselves and our loved ones – that the present takes a back seat. The end result begins to feel more important than the process itself. For instance, picture a person working a 9-to-5 job to fulfill their dream of buying a house, say, in ten years’ time. It is probably only the hope of a better future that keeps them going at a job they clearly aren’t interested in. That, however, doesn’t have to be the case considering how fortunate they truly are compared to the millions of unemployed folks out there.
DOESN’T THIS MEAN WE SHOULD SETTLE FOR LESS?
Definitely not. Like we said at the start, it is almost criminal not to aim big in life. However, sacrificing the present at the altar of the future is just, well, a waste of life. When the journey, howsoever hard or boring it might feel, is both essential and inevitable, you might as well find ways to enjoy it. Besides, it doesn’t make sense for you to be unhappy with your life at present when countless people are struggling to make ends meet. In fact, no matter what the situation, there will always be people who are less fortunate than you are. And that should be reason enough for you to feel grateful for the life you have.
CONCLUSION
Enjoying the process is as important as looking forward to the result. Life is a valuable gift, and wasting even a day’s worth of time regretting things or simply going through the motions isn’t just unfair to life, but to yourself as well. So, until you get where you wish to be in life, you might as well start cherishing where you presently are.
Sir James Matthew Barrie was a Scottish novelist and playwright. Best remembered as the creator of Peter Pan, Barrie had a unique take on life and its blessings. In fact, one of his quotes goes as follows: “The secret of happiness is not in doing what one likes, but in liking what one does.”