Are we rolling? Cool cool.
My understanding of happiness is rooted in the hope that there is more to life. I don’t mean ‘more’ in a religious sense or self-critical feeling of wasted potential, but rather an optimistic belief our day-to-day experience can be deeper, fuller, and more meaningful. I’m talking about growth.
Growth is proof our actions can unlock new depth to the human experience. Exercise makes you faster and stronger. Reading fosters new thought patterns and understanding of how the world works. Reconnecting with a friend gives you new perspective and reminds you life is happening even when you’re not there. Through musical practice you learn to hear and play what you couldn’t the day before.
The growth mindset is more than a sense of accomplishment, it’s embracing boundlessness: if a decision made my life richer then it’s possible different decisions could lead to even richer experiences. The happiest periods of my life are filled with this hopeful pursuit of more meaning. To the same extent I’m usually my most miserable when I feel like my actions don’t lead to anything. Sometimes you forget transcending the status-quo is possible when you’re an adult with a monotonous day job and the only growth you see is around your waist. That’s why it’s essential to surround yourself with people and experiences that inspire you to explore new limits.
A happy musician is a growing musician.