Do you want to be happier or less miserable?
About this episode
The episode discusses the idea that many people are not truly pursuing happiness, but rather seeking to feel less miserable by reducing unnecessary suffering in their lives.
In this episode, I explore a simple but powerful idea: most of us aren’t actually chasing happiness — we’re trying to feel less miserable. When happiness becomes the goal, we overthink, compare, and pressure ourselves to feel a certain way. But when we shift the focus to reducing unnecessary suffering, life becomes more manageable, grounded, and sustainable. Instead of asking “How do I feel amazing?” we ask, “What’s making life heavier than it needs to be?” Key takeaways: Why pursuing happiness can increase rumination and pressure How high emotional expectations make normal days feel like failures The difference between happiness (a spike) and contentment (a baseline) How reducing cognitive load lowers day-to-day misery Turning rumination into small, actionable movement Focusing on 1–3 priorities instead of overwhelming to-do lists Choosing meaningful connection over constant self-optimization Lowering the goal from “feel great” to “feel manageable” This episode isn’t about forced positivity. It’s about relief, proportion, and creating a life that feels lighter — not perfect. Thrive With Leo Coaching : If you want to reduce your psychological pain, regain your purpose and…
More episodes of Before You Kill Yourself: a suicide prevention podcast.
- Crying in the Car: Why Men Tear Up After “Good” Conversations
- How to Be Unhappy in a Whole New Way
- 4 A.M. and the Miracle of Love
- Celebrating our flops, failures and f*ck-ups
- The Story Is More Valuable Than the Footage
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Before You Kill Yourself: a suicide prevention podcast. podcast page.