Happiness is a State of Mind: The Cost of Chasing Exclusivity

In today’s world, happiness has become a moving target. What once brought us joy is now quickly normalized, leaving us constantly craving more. Somewhere in the race to achieve, to outperform, and to stand out, we have forgotten to simply be happy. We’ve mistaken external success for internal satisfaction, and in the process, we’ve built a society where even a remarkable achievement is brushed aside as “not a big deal.”

Take the example of someone scoring 99% in their board exams. Instead of celebrating such an incredible accomplishment, many tend to dismiss it with comments like, “Everyone gets such marks these days.” The bar has been raised so high that even excellence feels ordinary. On the other hand, I remember the joy of clearing my graduation with 45%. It wasn't a perfect score, but it was my moment, and I celebrated it fully. That same journey led me to eventually learn the stock market and celebrate everyday of my life. For me, happiness wasn’t about the number—it was about the effort, the growth, and the resilience it took to get there.

This comparison highlights a deeper truth: happiness isn’t about how much you have, but about how you perceive what you have. It is a state of mind. Sadly, many people now associate happiness with exclusivity. We want things that only we have, believing that exclusivity makes them more valuable. But the irony is clear—both a billionaire like Mukesh Ambani and a common man might use the same iPhone, the same laptop with identical features. The difference? Ambani might encrust his with diamonds just to make it feel unique. But does that add real value? No. It only serves a desire to appear different, to feel superior, not necessarily to be happier.

This obsession with being unique at all costs has created a culture where brands sell us not just products, but status. Clothes, gadgets, even experiences are marketed as ways to “stand out.” And in our attempt to feel special, we have made our lives unnecessarily complicated. The result? Rising levels of anxiety, depression, and constant dissatisfaction. We're chasing validation in likes, followers, and material possessions, while neglecting inner peace and self-worth.

Instead of chasing exclusivity, why not practice gratitude? Why not look inward and ask, “How can I be a better person?” rather than “How can I appear better than others?” True contentment comes not from comparison but from appreciation. But we’ve built a world where parents expect their kids to excel in everything, often projecting their own dreams onto their children. Kids, naturally innocent and curious, begin to feel the weight of expectations too early. And yet, when the pressure starts to show, we label them as “aaj ki generation,” blaming them instead of reflecting on how we’ve shaped their world.

We are all responsible for the mindset of the next generation. Rather than criticizing them, we need to model better values: contentment, balance, resilience, and gratitude. If we can show that happiness lies not in outshining others but in embracing one’s own journey, we’ll be giving them a far greater gift than any material achievement.

In the end, happiness is not a competition. It is personal, it is humble, and it is deeply internal. Let us normalize celebrating small wins, appreciating progress, and being kind to ourselves. Life is not about being the best in the room—it’s about being the best version of yourself. That’s where true happiness begins.