Ultimate Happiness: A condition that is so sought after by all, but that seems to slip away from many.
However, is constant happiness attainable, and if yes, how can you do it? Is there a specific way? Is it based on health, money, fame, trips around the world, or a job that fulfills you deeply?
Is it based on your innate inclination towards optimism, acknowledging the good things in your life, and having faith? Is it based on all of them? Or is there something else that makes the difference?
In this post, you will find out what is the true meaning of ultimate happiness and how to be joyful long-term according to the great Ancient Greek philosopher and teacher, Aristotle, who was the first one in human history that talked about the importance of being happy.
So, come along and open the gates to life’s ultimate purpose!
“Happiness is the meaning and the purpose of life, the whole aim and end of human existence.”
What Is Ultimate Happiness? And What Is Not?
But, before we get really deep on the matter, let’s explore a bit the meaning of ultimate happiness and what it is not. TV, magazines, and social media are flooded with pictures and stories of people that seem to have conquered happiness and live up on cloud 9.
They are beautiful, have lots of money and fame, – and fans and followers – live in luxurious houses, and travel to exotic places for vacations.
They seem to have it all. And the rest of us are simply found in a constant hunt to achieve more of all the above to finally grasp some of their (supposed) happiness.
We work long hours to gain more money just to spend it on beauty treatments, fancy clothes, expensive cars, houses, trips, going out, etc. We even get ourselves deep on credit to have them.
We change partners, friends, residences, and jobs because we think that the grass is greener on the other side.
But, down the line, something seems to be missing. Not, that all these things are bad. On the contrary. They are good and necessary for our well-being. But they are not enough to provide us with constant happiness.
In a nutshell, hedonism does not equate to true and ultimate happiness. It only offers temporary joy.
Another great post on the topic:
The Meaning Of Ultimate Happiness
Ultimate happiness, on the other hand, is a state of constantly feeling happy and content with who you are, what you have, and what you do.
But is there a way to achieve that? Well, actually there is and Aristotle has answered that question about 2,300 years ago.
What Brings Ultimate Happiness According To Aristotle?
Back in Ancient Greece, the great philosopher used to teach that happiness is, and therefore should be seen as the ultimate goal of everyone’s life.
And for an act to be an ultimate end he explained it as “that which is always desirable in itself and never for the sake of something else”.
In his words, Aristotle meant that everything we strive to achieve (pick any of the list mentioned before) is in reality a means to achieve happiness while ultimate happiness is always an end in itself.
The philosopher actually used a precise word for ultimate happiness – “eudaimonia” – which in Greek describes better the wanted state of being.
And he placed the responsibility of achieving this state on every one of us. “Happiness depends upon ourselves” according to Aristotle. But what did he really mean?
“Happiness depends on ourselves.”
How To Achieve Ultimate Happiness: Aristotle’s Way
Aristotle connected the feeling of ultimate happiness, “eudaimonia” with virtue.
“He is happy who lives by complete virtue and is sufficiently equipped with external goods, not for some chance period but throughout a complete life” (Nicomachean Ethics).
To achieve that, however, one must make particular choices, some of which may be rather difficult. Instant gratification may sabotage a future, greater good which instead is gained with some sort of sacrifice or pain.
Going on a shopping spree may light up your spirits but if you find yourself having to eat stew rice for a month to pay your credit card your initial happiness will soon vaporize.
And here is where the character, cultivating virtuous habits and taking relevant action comes into the scene. It is the right development of character and the acquisition of specific virtues like courage, temperance, justice, prudence, and benevolence that will get you there.
Aristotle highlighted the importance of these virtues in one’s character and the balanced portion of them.
Intending to act rightfully however is not enough. You must actually take the right action.
And that needs persistence, consistency, and iron will. But practice makes perfect, and if you have a clear picture of a life plan you can do it.
"True happiness flows from the possession of wisdom and virtue and not from the possession of external goods."
4 Things To Cultivate To Attain Ultimate Happiness
So, now that you have a core “compass” to lead you to the desirable condition of ultimate happiness here are some useful tips to make your effort easier and more effective:
1. Come up with a life plan
You need it otherwise you will be drifted away by life. So, take some time alone to contemplate and plan the life that you really want according to your values, needs, and deepest desires.
Be honest with yourself and try to not get distracted by current trends, other people’s lifestyles, or your family’s aspirations.
It is your life and you must decide how to live it. Authenticity comes hand in hand with ultimate happiness.
2. Count your blessings
Gratitude is an explicit way to help you acknowledge the good things that you have in your life and a secure mean to help you attract more of them. Write them down every day – from the simplest to the most significant ones – and start seeing your mindset and your feelings change for the better.
And if you’re looking for inspiration to bring more positivity into your life, be sure to check out Stella’s Gratitude Journal, -click here. It’s beautifully designed with insightful prompts and inspiring quotes to elevate your life.
3. Foster your relationships
Show care and respect for your close ones and the people you interact with. Life is all about human connections and remember that what you give comes back to you in double doses. If necessary cut loose from toxic people that only suck up your energy and seek to be around like-minded people.
4. Develop discipline
Last one but the most crucial. To achieve ultimate happiness you must practice discipline and shrew discernment.
Discipline will help you cultivate your virtues, Aristotle’s basic virtues, and make tough choices when needed; choices that promise future rewards instead of temporary pleasure.
This can mean skipping that Netflix series with pizza tonight and reading instead a self-development book (my “No Worries” book can be an excellent choice e.g.!) while eating a freshly homemade salad. You get the point.
"It is the active exercise of our faculties in conformity with virtue that causes happiness, and the opposite activities its opposite."
The Verdict On Ultimate Happiness
So, there you have it! Ultimate happiness can be achievable.
And now that you know what you have to do to reach the ultimate goal of your life on earth as a human are you going to take action towards achieving true and lasting happiness or are you going to stay with your arms crossed?
Are you going to seek after money, fame, high-status positions in your work, etc, or are you going to cultivate your virtues in a balanced and disciplined way?
Going only for the external won’t just do. But, going for the internal will be highly rewarding.
Dad Aristotle has shown us the path thousands of years ago.
The question is; are you willing to follow it?
It’s up to you!
Need A Helping Hand?
And if you need some more of Aristotle’s guidance to support your mission for your ultimate happiness I am here for you.
You can contact me directly for a discovery call to help you uncover what keeps you stuck and hinders you from experiencing the ultimate happiness in your life.
So sign up here and you’ll have a revealing experience about your deepest self and how to use Aristotle’s advice on living a more fulfilling and happier life.
Need A Helping Hand?
And if you need some more of Aristotle’s guidance to support your mission for your ultimate happiness I am here for you.
You can contact me directly for a discovery call to help you uncover what keeps you stuck and hinders you from experiencing the ultimate happiness in your life.
So sign up today and you’ll have a revealing experience about your deepest self and how to use Aristotle’s advice on living a more fulfilling and happier life.
Book a Discovery Call with stella Frances
or Call today
561 430-0012
