Is the pursuit of happiness making us miserable?

The pursuit of happiness is a motto that most of us live by, but it may be that the pursuit of happiness is what is making us so unhappy. Let’s examine some of the inherent problems with the pursuit of happiness. First, happiness is a short lived phenomenon. You have probably said, “I would be happy if….I had a better job, made more money, lost weight, etc.” Now imagine obtaining that which you think would bring you happiness. Sure, you would feel happy. However, when you find happiness, it cannot be sustained; like any other emotion, it can only be sustained for a short while. When the “high” of the happiness wears off, you will still be left feeling sad, anxious, and lonely or whatever negative emotion that was plaguing you. Many of us use the pursuit of happiness as a way of distracting ourselves from our pain and no amount of money, fame, etc. can change it. Another problem with the pursuit of happiness is that we tend to search for it outside of ourselves. We think that someone or something such as a pleasurable experience or a material possession will “cure” us of our unhappiness. When we find the object of our happiness, the pain does not necessarily go away. Furthermore, what happens if you don’t get the job or find a better mate? You essentially give the power to an external force that may not exist. Your happiness is then contingent on factors that you cannot control. Seeking happiness outside of ourselves, gives external factors a lot of power. Additionally, the pursuit of happiness implies that it will be found in the future, which is problematic because it implies that it does not exist in the present.
So, what is the answer? Maybe we need to find a new philosophy; instead of pursuing happiness, maybe we need to find contentment in what is in the present moment. Although happiness is but a fleeting emotion, contentment and peace can be ever lasting.