The Happiness Myth: Why Joy in the Present Is as Important as Hard Work

For most of my life, it was instilled in me that struggle builds strength and that happiness is something I had to earn. I vividly remember working late into the night, believing that the grind was the only path to success and fulfillment. But after years of pushing myself, I realized something wasn’t right—I was successful but still felt unfulfilled. Maybe you've been taught the same thing.

But neuroscience tells us a different story. In fact, researchers have discovered that happiness and positivity aren't just byproducts of success—they are powerful forces that enhance our brains' ability to function optimally. When we experience positive emotions, our brains release dopamine and serotonin, chemicals that help improve focus, motivation, and overall cognitive performance. This concept, known as the "Broaden-and-Build Theory" developed by positive psychologist Barbara Fredrickson, suggests that experiencing joy in the present expands our cognitive resources, allowing us to think more creatively, make better decisions, and build long-term resilience.

In other words, waiting for happiness to come after the struggle may actually be limiting your success. By allowing yourself to experience joy in the moment, you’re unlocking the full potential of your mind, which fuels both personal growth and professional achievement.

The Happiness Myth Uncovered

We’ve all heard the phrase, “No pain, no gain.” It's drilled into us from an early age that success, happiness, and even love are the fruits of hard work and struggle. Yet, neuroscience and psychology tell us something different.

Our brains are actually wired to experience joy and positivity in the present moment. In fact, waiting for happiness to come only after overcoming challenges can delay our personal growth. I’ve seen this firsthand with many of my clients.

One particular client, a high-level executive, always believed that joy would come after he reached the pinnacle of his career. But after years of hard work, he found himself burnt out and distant from the happiness he had been chasing. Together, we worked on shifting his mindset to embrace joy in the moment. Not only did he feel more fulfilled, but his productivity and creativity soared.

The truth is that embracing joy in the now—finding happiness in small moments, in the process, and in the journey—can fuel your resilience and boost your performance far more than a constant focus on struggle alone.

Joy and Success Go Hand-in-Hand

So, how does this shift in mindset change everything?

When we operate from a place of joy and positivity, we naturally open up to more creativity, better decision-making, and greater problem-solving. Research shows that positive emotions enhance cognitive flexibility, making it easier to find solutions and adapt to challenges. It’s not that struggle doesn't build strength—it does—but it shouldn’t be the only fuel in your tank.

Happiness and success are not mutually exclusive. In fact, joy can propel you forward just as effectively, if not more so, than grit alone. Imagine how much more sustainable your journey toward success would be if you allowed joy to coexist with your effort. What if you gave yourself permission to experience happiness now, not just at the finish line?

In my own experience, I’ve found that when I stopped treating happiness as a distant reward and started enjoying the present, everything shifted. My relationships improved, my energy returned, and I began to find deeper fulfillment in the small victories along the way.

3 Ways to Embrace Happiness While You Work Hard

To challenge the "happiness myth" and start making joy part of your daily life, here are three actionable steps you can take:

1. Celebrate Small Wins Don’t wait until the big success or goal is achieved. Start celebrating the small victories along the way. This reinforces a sense of accomplishment and fuels motivation. Joy is found in progress, not just in completion.
2. Practice Gratitude Daily Taking a moment each day to reflect on what you’re grateful for helps shift your mind toward positivity. Gratitude rewires your brain to focus on the abundance in your life, rather than waiting for something else to make you feel fulfilled.
3. Savor the Present In the rush to get things done, we often forget to enjoy the process. Make it a habit to pause and take in the present moment, whether it's a peaceful morning coffee or a moment of clarity during a work project. These moments of joy add up and keep your energy replenished.

Success Doesn’t Have to Be a Grind

It's time to let go of the myth that happiness must be earned through hard work and struggle. Yes, challenges build resilience and strength, but so do joy and positivity. It’s not about avoiding hard work—it’s about allowing yourself to experience joy while you work hard.

One of my clients, after years of waiting for happiness at the end of her journey, finally allowed herself to experience joy in the present. She didn’t stop working hard or striving for success, but she learned to find balance. The transformation wasn’t just in her work—it was in her life, her relationships, and her outlook on the future.

The sooner we realize that happiness in the present is not only possible but essential for our growth, the more likely we are to enjoy the journey to success.

So, I invite you to ask yourself: What if happiness isn’t something to be earned but something to be embraced right now, along the way?

About the Author

Anthony Holdampf is a Certified Health Coach, Clinical Hypnotherapist, and NLP Practitioner with over two decades of experience helping high achievers transform their bodies, minds, and lives. As the creator of the Miracle Mindset Method and a published author, Anthony has guided executives, entrepreneurs, and leaders through personal and professional breakthroughs. His mission is to help individuals embrace joy, elevate their mindset, and unlock their fullest potential by breaking through limiting beliefs. Learn more about his workor connect with him on LinkedIn for more insights on elevating your life from the inside out.