Do You Really Know What Will Make You Happy?

If someone asked you today what would make you truly happy, what would you say?

More money? A bigger title? More time to enjoy the life you have worked so hard to build?

Most of us can quickly name something we believe would make life better. Yet we can spend years working towards those things, achieve them, and still feel that something is missing.

I believe it is worth stopping occasionally to ask ourselves: Am I building a life that makes me happy, or simply chasing the next achievement?

Money, power and pleasure can take up a great deal of our attention. And then there is pain, something we would never say we want, but sometimes struggle to let go of.

I always say we need three things in life: water, oxygen and money. If you are short of any one of them, you are in trouble.

Money matters. Bills must be paid, families must be cared for, and financial independence gives us choices. I am passionate about helping women achieve that independence. But we also need to recognise when we have moved from building security to constantly wanting more.

There will always be another thing to buy or another financial milestone to reach.

There is satisfaction in leading a team, growing a business and knowing that your voice carries weight, but a title cannot give you peace of mind, and professional recognition cannot replace meaningful relationships.

A wonderful meal, a holiday or a new purchase can bring real happiness. We should enjoy those things! The difficulty comes when we expect the feeling to last, or rely on the next treat to make us feel fulfilled.

An old disappointment, a grudge, the memory of being overlooked or let down; these experiences matter, but sometimes we give them more space in our lives than we realise. Letting go can take time and support. It begins with recognising what we are still carrying.

When I think about what sustains me through both success and disappointment, I come back to four things: faith, family, friends and service to others.

Faith gives me the courage to keep going when I cannot see how everything will work out. It reminds me that a difficult season does not have to determine the rest of my life.

Family gives me a sense of belonging that no professional achievement can replace. It is easy to assume the people closest to us will always understand how busy we are. They deserve our time and attention too.

Friends bring perspective, laughter and encouragement. We all need people with whom we can be honest, who celebrate our progress and stand beside us when life becomes difficult.

Serving others gives purpose to what we have learned and achieved. Sharing your knowledge, encouraging someone who is struggling or helping another person recognise their own potential can be deeply rewarding. You do not need a big platform or a great deal of money to make a difference.

Starting a second career in real estate in the United States has reminded me how much humility it takes to be a beginner again.

You bring your experience and work ethic with you, but there are still new systems to learn, relationships to build and moments when you have to ask for help.

Completing my MBA at 70 and passing my Florida broker’s exam at 75 have been achievements I am proud of. Yet the happiness has also been in the learning, the encouragement from people around me and the opportunity to put that knowledge to use.

Those experiences have reinforced something I have learned throughout my life: you can keep setting ambitious goals while appreciating the life you already have.

Sometimes you need to take three steps back to take six steps forward. Those steps back can help you see what deserves your energy and what you can leave behind.

This week, take a few minutes to ask yourself:

• When did I last feel truly content, and what was I doing?

• Am I making time for the people who matter most to me?

• Is there a disappointment I need help working through?

• Who could benefit from my time, knowledge or encouragement?

• If I achieved my next big goal tomorrow, what would I still need in my life?

You may discover that some of what you are looking for already deserves more attention.

There is nothing wrong with earning well, leading well or enjoying the rewards of your hard work. I encourage ambition, and I have no intention of stopping my own learning and growth.

But happiness deserves a place in our lives along the way. We cannot keep postponing it until the next promotion, the next purchase or the next achievement.

Keep working towards your goals. Make time for your faith, your relationships and the people you can help. Give yourself permission to enjoy what you have built.

What has made the biggest difference to your happiness? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

Much Love,

Margaret Hirsch