Happiness Starts With Asking Yourself 1 Simple Question: If Your Answer Is No, You Need To Make Some Changes

This story is part of a new series of features on the subject of success, Benzinga Inspire.

Happiness is a fundamental right in the Declaration of Independence, but it's something that often gets pushed to the background as we deal with various challenges in our day-to-day lives.

If you take a moment to stop and ask yourself one simple question, you may be able to place your everyday life on a path to what makes you happy.

See Also: Warren Buffett There's Only 1 Measure Of Success, Without It 'Life Is A Disaster'

What To Know: According to Inc, the one question you should be asking yourself is: "Am I doing the work that I want to do?"

This simple question can help you highlight what really matters the most. We are all driven by different things. Some of us need to reach our goals, others need to engage in their passions and do the things that bring joy. Many of us feel the need to maintain meaningful relationships, help others, and even better the world around us.

Being happy starts with focusing on the things that are important to you and it's maintained by making sacrifices to prioritize your own happiness.

"Another way to frame this big question is, 'If I died tomorrow, would I want to be doing what I'm doing today?'" the report states.

If the answer is "no," then you should probably figure out a way to change your behavior. Although it can seem daunting and many are scared to admit to themselves that they are on the wrong path, it's the right thing to do for your own well-being.

"Since work dominates the majority of your awake time, happiness is knowing you've chosen the right path for the journey; it's the path of knowing that what you do matters," Inc suggests.

To feel a long-term sense of happiness, people need to feel like their day-to-day efforts matter, per research published in Harvard Business Review.

Purpose in one's work can both improve overall happiness and increase productivity. In the end, there may be some things you wish you'd done differently, but you aren't going to regret having spent your time doing the things that you love. 

Next: Price Of Happiness Hit By Inflation - You Can Buy It Now, But It'll Cost You

Photo: Tumisu from Pixabay.