Is happiness the end goal?

Is happiness the end goal??

You chase happiness. You look for peace.

By definition, chasing means you’re trying to catch up to something. There’s urgency, intensity, and often a sense of over-attachment to an outcome. On the other hand, looking feels more observational, deliberate, and calm. These two words alone capture the difference between the concepts they represent.

Happiness is fleeting. It’s a moment in time—a spark at night. Beautiful, yes, but always gone too quickly. Peace, though, is enduring. It’s not a quick flicker; it’s a slow, steady burn that keeps you warm through the night.

When you’re chasing happiness, it’s often tied to an external event or achievement: landing that promotion, finally taking that dream vacation, or experiencing a perfect moment. And while those things bring bursts of joy, they don’t last. You hit the milestone, and then what? You’re back on the treadmill, chasing again.

Peace, though, is different. It doesn’t hinge on what’s happening around you. It’s about the quiet in-between moments—the calm you feel when you’re not rushing toward anything. Peace is timeless. It doesn’t need a “goal” to exist.

The truth is, chasing happiness is exhausting. It feels like you’re always behind, trying to grab hold of something slippery. Peace doesn’t make you run—it lets you sit still. And when you’re still, the funny thing is, happiness often comes to you.

Happiness is the sparkle. Peace is the foundation. One lights up the moment; the other sustains you through everything.

So, ask yourself: are you chasing, or are you looking? Because the way you move changes everything.