Chapter 32: How To Be Happy

This week’s letter is different.

There’s also a surprise at the end.

I hope you like it…

Anyway, let’s dive in.

How To Be Happy

If you’re looking for an over-intellectualized answer to the question:

"how to be happy" — I’ve got good news and bad news.

Good news: I’ve got an answer.

Bad news: You probably already know it.

But sometimes, the things we already know are the things we need to hear again.

But said a little differently, at the right time, & from someone who actually gives a shit.

So here’s my take.

Happiness Isn’t the Goal

It’s not something you have.

It’s something that happens as a side effect.

When you focus on the right things.

Specifically these six things:

6 Pillars Of A Good Life

1. Alignment

Live in a way that matches your values.

When your actions match what matters to you (for me — creativity, growth, freedom), you don’t need to chase happiness. So chose your actions wisely.

2. Progress

You don’t need to be “there” yet. You just need to be on your way.

You need a pursuit, a mission, something that launches you out of bed in the morning.

3. Connection

Loneliness kills.

Strong relationships are the #1 predictor of long-term well-being.

The deeper the better — friends, romantic partners, peers, family — it all adds up.

4. Presence

Happiness lives in the now.

But most people either live in the past (regret) or the future (anxiety).

5. Growth

You’re wired to evolve.

New skills, new challenges, new inputs — they slow down time and keep you feeling alive.

6. Meaning

Pleasure fades. Purpose doesn’t.

Being of service and seeing your contributions positively impact the world is foundational.

Random Quotes I Love

“Trying to think your way out of overthinking is like trying to sniff your way out of a cocaine addiction.” — Chris Williamson

“Make 100 videos, and every video, try to do one thing better. Maybe it’s the hook. Or the thumbnail. Or storytelling. Whatever. Just make one thing better, every time, then come back and talk to me after 100” — Mr. Beast

“What feels like play to you, but looks like work to others?” — Naval Ravikant

“The best product is just you, pushed out to the world.” — Shaan Puri

“America’s the best place to make money. Europe’s the best place to spend it.” — Scott Galloway

Wrapping Up

Blindly following advice on the internet is probably the dumbest thing you can do.

When in doubt? Go to the source.

Study timeless principles. Seek out mentors who are actively doing the thing you want to do. Read books that have been around 50+ years.

That’s the foundation I built StorySchool around.

Not to be another content course, but to be a simple way to apply timeless storytelling principles (what I obsess over and use daily) to a modern medium (short form video).

The goal? Make it easy for founders and business owners to tell stories that capture and convert attention — and help grow their business.

I ran a few friends through it here in Portugal.

Their 2nd post? Over 1M views, 50k+ new followers, and hundreds of inquiries for weddings, retreats, and bookings at their property.

That’s not normal.

But the strategy that caused it? That is teachable.

If that sounds interesting to you, reply below or join the waitlist.

Alright, I’m off to road trip southern Portugal with my family.

Remember to live your life — you’ll be happier that way.

Rooting for ya,

—Dodds