By Dylan J. England | Health, Fitness & Development Coach
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5 Minute Read
Picture this: You’re chasing happiness, but every day feels like a storm waiting to hit.
Why do we cling to stress, to “what ifs,” to a life that doesn’t light us up? For many of us, it’s because we’ve bought into the lies we tell ourselves—about happiness, success, and what’s holding us back. The truth is, the storm often isn’t life itself—it’s our perspective.
The Illusion of Happiness
When’s the last time you saw a pharmaceutical commercial? A person is frolicking in a field with their puppy, laughing like they just won the lottery. And subconsciously, we think, “I want that.”
Here’s the thing: happiness looks different for everyone. Our genetics, experiences, hopes, and dreams shape what lights us up. But too many people can’t answer the simple question: What makes you happy?
If your first thought was money, you’re not wrong—financial security brings relief. But once basic needs are covered, money alone won’t fill the deeper gaps. Hedonism—the endless chase of “more”—only keeps us stuck. There will always be another tier, another “Jones” to keep up with, another greener lawn across the street.
Growth and progress are healthy, but when we hinge happiness only on money or possessions, fulfillment slips through our fingers.
Addictions That Steal Joy
Most of us are addicted to something—and often, it’s not what actually makes us happy. Workaholism. Food. Alcohol. The need for validation. Drama. Perfectionism. Even complacency, disguised as “comfort.”
For some, it’s chronic stress. I’ve met people who defend their stress as if it’s proof of their worth. They justify why their anxiety is unavoidable, while rejecting any possibility of change. They live in a problem-focused mindset, constantly asking, “What if everything goes wrong?”
But here’s the reality: research shows that 91% of what people worry about never happens. And of the small percentage that does, most situations are never as bad as we imagine.
One powerful tool is self-audit thinking. Ask yourself:
“Will this matter three years from now?”
If the answer is no, it doesn’t deserve to ruin your day.
Rewriting Your Story
Every day, you’re writing your own story—through your thoughts, actions, and the people you allow to influence you.
Consider this: with over 8 billion people in the world, countless others live with far less opportunity or comfort than we do—and yet many still thrive. The fact that you’re reading this means you have access to information and resources others can only dream of. That’s something to be grateful for.
Perspective shifts everything. I’ve worked with people who have lost movement, communication, or independence due to injuries. Their realities are unimaginably hard, but they find gratitude in small victories. Contrast that with someone who has every comfort, yet convinces themselves the sky is always falling.
Gratitude doesn’t erase struggle, but it reframes it. Life is still a gift, and growth is always possible.
The Role of Healthy Stress
Comfort can trick us into complacency. We start scanning for problems that don’t exist, making life harder than it needs to be. But intentional, healthy stress—eustress—can make us stronger.
Think about training for a marathon, finishing a degree, or tackling a personal weakness. These challenges stretch us, but they also build resilience. On the other side of discomfort is growth.
Choosing Ownership Over Drama
Here’s a reminder: “The man who rows the boat doesn’t have time to rock it.” If you have energy for drama, you have energy for growth. That means less blaming, less finger-pointing, and more ownership of your life.
Start asking:
- What stories am I telling myself that keep me stuck?
- What am I protecting that doesn’t actually serve me?
- What if I chose to pivot, try again, and pursue a better outcome?
Because at the end of the day, the choice is simple: keep defending stress and scarcity—or step into hope, gratitude, and growth.
What if you stopped chasing happiness and started creating it?
Happiness isn’t about perfection or possessions—it’s about perspective, ownership, and intentionally choosing growth over comfort. Life is too short to live every day waiting for the storm.
So the question is: what story are you writing with your life today?
But if you’re looking for proven effective methods to improving your health and wellness be sure to read past and future articles and don’t forget to listen to The Practical Edge Podcast.
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Ready for a coach who can help you sharpen these habits for life?
Check out my coaching program at www.dylanjengland.com. Let’s build the foundation for your best life—together.
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