Choosing Happiness

"Folks are usually about as happy as they make up their minds to be."

— Abraham Lincoln

Context

This quote reflects Lincoln's belief in the power of mental attitude, a philosophy that sustained him through immense personal and national hardship. Having experienced poverty, the loss of loved ones, political defeats, and the burden of leading a divided nation at war, Lincoln understood suffering intimately. Yet he recognized that happiness isn't primarily determined by external circumstances but by internal resolve. His use of the folksy phrase "make up their minds" suggests this isn't an automatic process but a deliberate choice requiring mental effort. The wisdom of Lincoln's perspective lies in its emphasis on personal agency amid conditions we can't control—a timeless message particularly resonant coming from someone who faced extraordinary challenges yet maintained remarkable equanimity.

Reflection Question

When has your happiness been most disconnected from your external circumstances? What mental approach or perspective shift allowed you to maintain well-being despite challenging conditions?

Application Tip

Begin a one-week "Happiness Decision" experiment. Each morning, explicitly decide that you will approach the day with contentment regardless of what unfolds. Write this intention down, adding specific strategies you'll use when faced with frustrations (like deep breathing, perspective-taking, or focusing on what's going well). Throughout the day, when you notice your happiness diminishing, consciously invoke your morning decision and apply your chosen strategies. Keep a brief evening log noting situations where you successfully "made up your mind" to restore your happiness despite challenges. At week's end, review what this deliberate approach revealed about your capacity to influence your emotional state.