Happiness is a Choice

I used to believe happiness was something that just happened—that it was a byproduct of external circumstances, like landing the perfect job, being in the right relationship, or achieving a goal. But then I started to notice something: even when I got what I thought I wanted, the happiness was fleeting. It would show up, give me a quick dopamine hit, and then fade. And I’d be left chasing the next thing, hoping that would be the thing that finally made me happy.

Happiness is a Choice

But the truth? Happiness isn’t something we find. It’s something we choose. Every. Single. Day.

One of my personal goals has been to wake up every morning, smile, and express gratitude. It sounds simple, almost trivial. But when I started doing this—really doing it, not just going through the motions—I noticed something profound: my energy shifted. My mindset became stronger, like a muscle being trained. I was no longer at the mercy of my circumstances; I was intentionally choosing how I wanted to feel. I started to develop what I now call a fit-mind—a mindset that isn’t just reactive, but proactive. A mind that chooses happiness, love, generosity, and kindness, even when life isn’t perfect.

Because life is our beautiful canvas. And we are the artists.

So why not paint it with vibrant colors?

 Why not show up every day with joy, no matter what’s happening around us? Why not choose happiness, even when it’s hard?

Dale Carnegie, in How to Win Friends and Influence People, talks about the power of a simple smile. In his chapter, A Simple Way to Make a Good First Impression, he shares how a genuine smile can be more impactful than the clothes you wear or the words you say. A smile, he says, creates connection. It opens doors. It shifts energy—not just for others, but for you. And I’ve felt this firsthand. The mornings I wake up and smile, I carry that energy with me. I feel lighter, more open, more connected to myself and those around me.

Get Grounded

This ties back to the core of Get Grounded: life transitions, personal growth, and stepping into leadership. Happiness is a choice, but it’s also a skill—one that takes intention, practice, and a deep commitment to yourself. When we choose joy, we show up differently in our careers, in our relationships, and in the way we lead. And that, in itself, is a powerful ripple effect.

So today, I invite you: wake up, smile, and choose happiness. Even if nothing external has changed. Because you have changed. And that’s where true joy begins.