What’s a common misconception people have about happiness?
Happiness is a state of well-being characterised by positive emotions, life satisfaction, and a sense of purpose. It is not merely a fleeting moment of joy, but an ongoing, deep-seated feeling that one’s life is meaningful and worthwhile.
The most common misconception about happiness is the belief that it is a permanent destination—a final state you reach once you achieve certain goals. In reality, happiness is a shifting, temporary emotional experience, not a static baseline. People overestimate how much major life events—such as a promotion, marriage, or buying a house—will permanently raise their well-being. They assume that crossing a milestone will deliver lasting contentment.
Equally misleading is the notion that accumulating more wealth, status, or possessions continuously increases joy. Those who chase this illusion find themselves trapped in an endless pursuit, blind to how quickly they adapt to new luxuries, and unable to recognise sadness, anger, or anxiety as natural, healthy human emotions.
From my own experience, I can say that happiness may be found through material achievements—but eternal serenity, for me, rests securely in faith in the Son of God, Jesus Christ. Throughout my career, I received several promotions and climbed high in my organisation. I also earned academic degrees across various fields, one after another. Yet I never felt overly excited by these titles or awards. Instead, I have placed my joy and satisfaction in a deeper sense of purpose, meaning, virtue, and contribution to the greater good.
While I walk this earth, I live with the goal of winning the crown of glory—through my faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, reflected in deeds that glorify God.
This truth has raised my horizon and given me clear sight. May my poem—with its image of one earthly end leading to two final destinations, eternal death and eternal life—shed light on your own pursuit of lasting happiness.
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✨ Clear Above the Clouds ✨
Clear above the clouds—
or does height pull us from the ground?
A pure heart stays earth-bound,
yet longing loves to hang so high.
One single end,
two paths unwound—
I ask you, where do you go?
Let righteousness be the way you know.✨
en yan hua fang 