If you can wake up every morning with a feeling of inspiration and excitement, looking forward to what you have to do that day, I think you’re on the right track.

@ExMi We always forget to be thankful what we have, because at one time or another, it was something we probably only hoped for!

@Dusan, I’ll take a look at that book. Thanks for the suggestion.

@Troyte Senior, slightly immature comment don’t you think? This story has nothing to do with that fisherman – how do you know I didn’t make him up? Think slightly bigger picture bud.

@Ian Paul Marshall, that’s definitely a good start for people struggling to find out what makes them happy – ask yourself those questions you mentioned. Thanks!

@Chris M, great examples of what people think happiness is – all different. As I said, we sometimes forget that!

“success == happiness in what ever you do. Peoples perception of your success is a different story”

“Happiness. If u can say u are happy exactly the way things are then that is success. It can’t be measured.”

“When you have enough leave to spend the money you have made by doing what u love.”

“You have to compare your results with your original goal”

“through the results of your actions I would say”

“when you want for nothing, but need to remain your down to earth self.”

I always find this such an interesting topic. The way you describe the fisherman looking up and smiling is perfect; There are not many people (especially where we stay) that do that. I catch the lift at Perspectives every single day and I would say that only 3-5% of my journeys up and down involve another human even making eye contact – doesn’t say too much does it.

Anyway, I won’t go on, but felt I could add a little value here :)

What do i like?
What do I want?
What is important to me?
and

What makes me happy?

If that’s to difficult a question to answer we can always look at the things that are making unhappy and work from there.

Thanks for the story. Very nice.

You’re right that material wealth absolutely does not equal happiness, but at the same time I think it’s almost impossible to know whether someone you’ve met very briefly is happy or not. You’ve assigned values, thoughts and feelings to a person who you don’t know. At best that’s optimistic, at worst patronising.

Cool story. If you didn’t have chance thus far to read Siddhartha, written by Hermann Hesse. You may get some very precious clues pertaining to happiness and balance in life… Cheers!

something we forget, as we get caught up in our efforts to become successful.

so easy to forget how successful/lucky we already are.