Limitless Happiness, Part 2: Escaping the Subtle Traps

In Part 1 of this series, we explored the foundations of limitless happiness—defining what it really means, deepening self-knowledge, and freeing ourselves from the constant need for external validation.

But even as we grow in self-awareness, we can still stumble into subtle traps that keep happiness just out of reach. These traps aren’t always obvious. Sometimes, they masquerade as motivation, opportunity, or even self-care. If we don’t recognize them, they can quietly erode our peace of mind.

Let’s look at three of the most common.

1. The Influence of Desire and Attachment

Desire is a double-edged sword. It drives innovation, art, and human progress. But when left unchecked, it can turn into attachment—where happiness becomes tethered to getting and keeping something.

We’ve all experienced it: the anticipation of a new car, the excitement of a dream vacation, or the rush of starting a relationship. But once the novelty fades, we often feel the itch for the next thing.

The Buddhist perspective is clear: desire itself isn’t the enemy—it’s clinging to the outcome that causes suffering. Limitless happiness comes from learning to appreciate without grasping, to love without the fear of losing, and to let go without resentment.

2. The Temptation of Quick Fixes

In a fast-paced world, patience is a hard sell. Everywhere we turn, someone is offering a shortcut:

- A 10-day program for instant confidence.

- A gadget that promises better health without effort.

- A “proven” system for overnight success.

Quick fixes are tempting because they bypass the discomfort of real change. But they rarely address the deeper issues. A friend once told me she bought an expensive meditation device because she “couldn’t meditate on her own.” Six months later, it sat unused on a shelf—while the stress she hoped to escape still followed her.

True growth and happiness are built, not bought. They come from consistent practice, not from skipping the work.

3. Social Comparison and FOMO

Comparison is hardwired into human psychology—we evolved to track our place in the social hierarchy. But in the age of social media, we’re not just comparing ourselves to our neighbors or coworkers. We’re comparing ourselves to carefully curated, often unrealistic highlights from hundreds or thousands of people.

FOMO—Fear of Missing Out—turns this comparison into anxiety. We see friends traveling, starting businesses, running marathons, and we wonder if we’re falling behind.

But here’s the truth: nobody is “ahead” or “behind” in life. There is no single race. Your journey is uniquely yours, and the more you honor your own pace, the less power FOMO will have over you.

Where We Go Next

In Part 3, we’ll explore how to anchor happiness in purpose, cultivate mindfulness and presence, and strengthen resilience so that no matter what life throws at you, your sense of fulfillment remains unshaken.

These aren’t just techniques—they are ways of living that make limitless happiness not just possible, but natural.