Business By Hormozi #235: Why I Would Rather Be Useful Than Happy

In a world where many chase happiness as the ultimate goal, being useful offers a deeper and more meaningful path. While personal happiness often comes from external pleasures, the true reward lies in making a difference in the lives of others. Being someone who adds value and purpose to the world provides a sense of fulfillment that temporary moments of happiness can't offer. The joy of knowing you've impacted others' lives positively outshines any selfish satisfaction you might experience on your own.

Being useful doesn’t mean grand acts; it’s about making a real impact through your daily efforts, whether small or large. When you become a person others can rely on for help or wisdom, you fulfill a purpose far greater than self-interest. And in doing so, you realize that true happiness often comes from being useful to others, rather than seeking it for yourself which causes you to be Useful Over Happy.

The Joy of Being Useful Over Seeking Happiness

Although happiness is often seen as the end goal, true fulfillment comes from knowing that you are useful in a way that benefits others. Unlike happiness, which can be fleeting and dependent on external factors, being useful is a lasting and intrinsic feeling. When you focus on utility—whether at work, in relationships, or in your community—you create a foundation for a more meaningful life, one that’s not swayed by temporary emotions. Being useful builds deeper satisfaction because it’s rooted in the contributions you make to something bigger than yourself.

The Trap of Chasing Happiness

There’s nothing wrong with wanting happiness, but focusing too much on it often leads to disappointment. The pursuit of happiness can create a cycle where you’re constantly seeking pleasure, only to realize that happiness is temporary. Instead of looking for immediate gratification, focusing on being useful allows you to bypass this cycle. You become content by the impact you make, whether or not others notice it immediately. This is a more sustainable and fulfilling way of living than constantly striving for happiness, which can be an elusive and ever-moving target.

How Being Useful Transforms Your Life

When you decide to be useful rather than simply seek happiness, you embrace a life of contribution and service. Every act of kindness, every task you complete to help others, adds value. These actions lead to lasting fulfillment and create meaningful connections with those around you. As you continue being useful, you naturally build your reputation and the trust of others, showing that your value doesn’t lie in how happy you are, but in how much you serve and help others.

In the end, being useful isn’t just about personal satisfaction—it’s about creating a legacy that will impact others long after you’ve made a difference. The more you focus on being useful, the more you realize how much fulfillment it provides compared to the fleeting pursuit of personal happiness.

Choosing a Life of Purpose Over Happiness

When you prioritize being useful over seeking happiness, you set yourself on a path to a life of purpose and meaning. Happiness can come and go, but purpose is lasting. By contributing your time, knowledge, and resources to others, you build a life that’s not just about you, but about the positive changes you bring to the world. Being useful creates a foundation of contentment, one that’s grounded in making a real difference, no matter how small the acts may seem.

Conclusion: Focus on Being Useful, Not Just Happy

While it’s natural to want happiness, being useful provides a deeper, more sustainable source of fulfillment. Rather than chasing happiness, focus on making a difference, and you’ll find that happiness follows naturally. The happiness that comes from being useful is long-lasting and authentic, rooted in the positive impact you make Over others.