
Build the Life You Want
Brief Summary
Happiness is not a reward for overcoming life’s trials and tribulations. It’s a conscious choice and an attitude we are adopting today. In “Build the Life You Want,” Arthur C. Brooks and Oprah Winfrey reveal how to savor life in the present moment.
Key points
Key idea 1 of 9
Some people tend to postpone happiness, believing it lies beyond the horizon. There are always some obstacles or problems that prevent us from being satisfied with our lives. We convince ourselves that a consistently happy life is around the corner if only we can eliminate a few more issues. However, we will not achieve happiness by waiting for a carefree life. There will always be something that will put a spoke in our wheel. So why not allow ourselves to be happy now?
Happiness is composed of three key elements—enjoyment, satisfaction, and purpose. Enjoyment comes when we consciously understand life, perceiving the world around us as an ally. We achieve satisfaction by determining our role in this world, finding our path, and achieving our goals. A difficult journey of mistakes, sacrifices, and moments of uncertainty accompanies our way to satisfaction. And, of course, a goal gives meaning to life's challenges and makes us move on.
Therefore, the pursuit of happiness is similar to chasing the end of the rainbow. You can walk a long way and struggle a lot, yet never reach the ideal you hope for. But your path and approach to the ideal is already a form of happiness, despite the difficulties. Professor Randy Pausch had the same vision. Diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer, he continued to give lectures and share his experience with joy and cheerfulness. His positivity was inspiring because even in the face of death, the professor did not give up his right to be happy and made the most of every moment.
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