Destination Happiness
In my post about reasons we lose our JOY, I mentioned some common points that have helped me, firstly, become more mindful and appreciative of where I am right now. I have found that those six points resonate with me personally and are the key factors in maintaining positivity in my life.
In this post, I would like to unpack another thief of joy which many of us carry heavily on our shoulders.
Destination Happiness
Destination Happiness refers to the inherent belief that true happiness, success, and prosperity are exclusively situated in the future, contingent upon achieving specific milestones, societal expectations, or personal goals. This perspective holds individuals hostage to the anticipation of joy tied to future accomplishments, fostering a mindset that dismisses contentment in the present moment. The concept of Destination Happiness often manifests as a continuous pursuit of fulfillment based on achieving predefined criteria, hindering the ability to appreciate and find genuine joy in the current circumstances of life.
Destination Happiness is the inherent belief that happiness, success and prosperity lie beyond the here and now.
Destination Happiness holds an individual hostage to future achievements and leads to the lack of contentment with one’s present circumstances. People with Destination Happiness constantly think about the possibilities of success AFTER attaining certain self- or societal-induced criteria. Living life in the ‘ifs’ instead of the ‘now’. For some, it might be, “I’ll be happy if I lose 5kg.” For others it might be, “I’ll be happy if I have a bigger kitchen to work in.” This train of thought steals the possibility of finding true happiness and joy right here, right now.
Destination Happiness – an Islamic perspective
From an Islamic perspective, the concept of Destination Happiness aligns with the Qur’anic teachings that emphasize the significance of contentment and gratitude in the present moment. Islam encourages us to appreciate the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah SWT and to find joy in the journey of life, rather than fixating on future aspirations.
The Qur’an emphasizes the importance of patience, gratitude, and reliance on Allah SWT’s Wisdom in facing life’s challenges. Islam teaches that true happiness lies in the remembrance of Allah SWT, gratitude for His Blessings, and contentment with what one has. The Prophet Muhammad SAW exemplified a humble and content lifestyle, emphasizing the value of inner peace over material pursuits.
In the context of Destination Happiness, Islam encourages us to set goals and work towards personal development but emphasizes the need to avoid becoming enslaved by worldly desires. The Islamic worldview promotes balance, with an understanding that ultimate success and contentment come from aligning one’s actions with the guidance of Allah SWT and finding joy in fulfilling one’s purpose in this life.
In essence, the Islamic viewpoint encourages us to seek happiness not as a distant destination but as a continuous journey grounded in faith, gratitude, and a balanced approach to worldly pursuits.
How Destination Happiness leads to Unhappiness
In the realm of our pursuits for joy, the notion of Destination Happiness often acts as a silent thief of joy, burdening many with the weight of future expectations. This belief ingrains the idea that true happiness, success, and prosperity exist only in the distant future, tied to specific milestones or achievements. Whether it’s securing a desirable job, attaining a particular qualification, or finding the perfect life partner, the elusive promise of joy is conditioned on reaching these predetermined destinations.
Destination Happiness, in essence, holds individuals captive to the notion that contentment can only be experienced after meeting certain self-imposed or societal standards. The constant fixation on future possibilities robs them of the appreciation for the present moment, trapping them in a cycle of ‘ifs’ rather than embracing the ‘now’. Whether it’s the anticipation of shedding a few kilograms or yearning for a larger kitchen, this pattern of thinking steals the potential for genuine happiness in the current moment.
By breaking free from the confines of Destination Happiness and redirecting focus towards the present, individuals can reclaim the power to find true joy and fulfillment in their current circumstances. Embracing the journey and savoring the moments along the way can unveil a more authentic and immediate sense of happiness that transcends the conditional expectations set by an elusive destination.
How to change your mindset away from Destination Happiness
1. Trust in Allah SWT’s divine plan. Increase your spiritual health by embarking on a journey that takes you closer to Allah SWT.
2. Cultivate Present Awareness: Start by practising mindfulness to anchor yourself in the present moment. Develop an awareness of your thoughts and redirect them when they drift into future-oriented ‘ifs.’ This conscious effort helps break the habit of fixating on destinations and allows you to appreciate the richness of the present.
3. Challenge Limiting Beliefs: Identify and challenge the beliefs that tie your happiness solely to future achievements. Question whether these expectations are self-imposed or influenced by societal norms. Recognize that joy can be found in the journey, not just at the destination, and reassess the validity of the conditions you’ve set for your happiness.
4. Set Realistic Goals: Instead of fixating on distant milestones, break down larger goals into smaller, achievable steps. Celebrate small victories along the way, reinforcing the idea that happiness is attainable in the present. This approach fosters a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction without waiting for a grand culmination.
5. Practise Gratitude: Develop a daily gratitude practice to shift the focus from what is lacking to what is already present. Regularly acknowledging and appreciating the positive aspects of your current situation helps build a mindset of contentment and gratitude, reducing the allure of the elusive ‘ifs.’
6. Embrace Flexibility: Cultivate flexibility in your expectations and embrace the uncertainty of life. Understand that plans may change, and unexpected opportunities or challenges may arise. By adopting a more adaptable mindset, you can find joy in the ebb and flow of life, rather than rigidly adhering to a predefined path towards happiness.
Stay well, inside and out
Waheeda, a.k.a Waydi
P.S. If you appreciated this post, then sign up for my emails where I share more fabulous resources, mental health tips and wellness reminders.