In a world where everyone has their own opinions and desires, there is one universal goal that we all strive for – happiness. We want to feel loved, appreciated, problem-free, care-free, and financially secure. Happiness has been proven to have benefits in nearly every aspect of our lives, from mental and physical health to career success and personal relationships.

Despite the constant pursuit of happiness, there is no one-size-fits-all solution to achieving it. Happiness means different things to different people and may be a combination of various factors that vary from person to person. Additionally, the “hedonic treadmill” phenomenon perpetuates the constant chase for happiness, leaving individuals feeling exhausted and unfulfilled.

So, how do you know if you truly are unhappy and not just a victim of the happiness craze? According to the wellness site Mind Body Green, common symptoms of unhappiness include feeling inferior, feeling like a victim of circumstances beyond your control, feeling like your daily life is meaningless, and feeling helpless, hopeless, or pessimistic. If you find yourself experiencing these feelings frequently, it may be a sign that you are not living in a state of happiness.

If you want to work towards finding happiness, understanding the cause of your unhappiness is crucial. Some common reasons for unhappiness include a lack of meaning in life, personal, financial or career problems, a lack of self-esteem or self-respect, and personality traits that may make it difficult to maintain a positive outlook.

To determine the root cause of your unhappiness, it’s important to ask yourself why you are feeling the way you do. Only by being honest with yourself about the cause of your unhappiness can you move forward and make changes that will lead to greater contentment. Here are five steps to help figure out your why:

1. Define What “Happy” Means to You: Happiness means different things to different people. Understanding what specific elements contribute to your happiness will enable you to identify areas in your life that need attention.

2. Identify What is Missing: If you’re unhappy, chances are that something is missing from your life. Perhaps you are unhappy with your career, or maybe you feel like you are not living up to your potential. Identifying what is lacking will help you pinpoint what you need to work on.

3. Consider External Factors: External factors such as work, relationships, finances or societal pressures may contribute to your unhappiness. Consider the impact that these factors have on your life and whether changes can be made to address them.

4. Address Your Internal Issues: Personal issues like self-esteem, lack of confidence or negative self-talk can contribute to overall unhappiness. Addressing these issues can help you build a stronger sense of self and a more positive outlook on life.

5. Take Action: Once you have identified the cause of your unhappiness, it’s time to take action. This may involve making changes in your personal or professional life, seeking therapy to address personal issues or changing your perspective through mindfulness or other practices.

Remember, happiness is not a one-time achievement, but an ongoing process. Focusing on your own happiness doesn’t mean that you have to ignore the happiness of others, but rather to understand that your well-being is just as important as anyone else’s. By taking the time to understand the cause of your unhappiness and taking steps towards a more fulfilling life, you can find greater satisfaction and happiness in whatever you do.