Happiness is a highly sought-after emotion.

It’s the end goal for everyone. Many go to great lengths to find it.

But what really makes us happy?

Is it money, success, love, or something else entirely?

Immanuel Kant thought the rules for happiness are: “something to do, someone to love, something to hope for.”

There’s no objective answer. It’s all up to you.

If you hardly measure your life, you will forget to stop and ask yourself the number one question that matters:

What makes me happy?

Some people find happiness in their work. Others find it in their relationships or hobbies.

Some may find it in their personal achievements or in helping others.

Everyone’s answer is different, and for some, the answer evolves.

A few things continue to make me happy irrespective of my financial condition:

• Pursuing my intellectual curiosities.
• Writing (and learning something new in the process).
• Making and spending quality time with my family.
• Pursuing personal project (without getting attached to the outcome).
• Solitude walks in nature.
• And exploring new places, towns and cities.

Money has so far failed to make me happy.

I like the thrill of creating things to make money, but six figures in my account don’t do much for me.

Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate the temporary security money brings, but in the end, I crave something more profound than financial success.

What makes you happy?

Is it the feeling of accomplishment after completing a challenging project or task or the simple pleasure of a sunny day?

Perhaps it’s spending time with loved ones or the opportunity to travel.

Maybe it’s a surprise from a friend or a chance to make a difference in the world.

Whatever it is, the only question that matters right now is:

“What consistently brings out the best emotion in you?

Many look to external factors like money, fame, or material possessions to find happiness, but dozens of research has shown that happiness is an inside job.

“Happiness doesn’t depend on what we have, but it does depend on how we feel toward what we have. We can be happy with little and miserable with much,” William D. Hoard said.

Happiness doesn’t necessarily precede success

A happy life is built on the foundation of mindset, values and relationships.

“Happiness depends more on the inward disposition of mind than on outward circumstances,” Benjamin Franklin said.

Franklin’s observation is a commonly held belief among many philosophers, psychologists, and spiritual traditions.

Marcus Aurelius thought, “Very little is needed to make a happy life; it is all within yourself, in your way of thinking.”

While external circumstances can undoubtedly affect our happiness and well-being in the short term, research suggests that our internal state and mindset significantly impact our overall happiness and life satisfaction.

One important thing to consider when thinking about what makes you happy is the concept of hedonic adaptation.

It’s the tendency for humans to quickly adapt to positive changes in their lives and return to their previous level of happiness.

For example, buying a new car or getting a promotion at work may initially make you happy, but over time, you may return to your previous level of happiness.

Dozens of research support this reality.

Therefore, it’s important to focus on sustainable sources of happiness and fulfillment that can continue to bring you joy over the long term.

That means investing in building strong relationships, pursuing meaningful experiences, making a significant contribution to the world or engaging in meaningful work that aligns with your values.

Command, liberate and inspire yourself

“If you want to be happy, set a goal that commands your thoughts, liberates your energy, and inspires your hopes,” says Andrew Carnegie.

Experiencing happiness is a personal journey. You define what makes you come alive. And when you find it, it pays to do more of it.

Discovering what makes you truly happy is the key to living a life of joy and fulfillment.

It’s an ongoing process, and the answers may change over time.

That’s okay because happiness evolves. What made you happy in your twenties may not guarantee happiness right now.

It is up to you to choose what will make you happy, and the only way to do this is to explore, experiment, and discover the things that bring you joy.

Happiness is a process that involves enjoying life’s journey rather than simply focusing on the end goal.

Studies have shown that people with a sense of purpose and meaning in their lives are happier and more fulfilled.

That involves setting goals, learning new skills, or contributing to a cause you care about. It doesn’t have to be a big experience. It completely depends on your personal pursuit.

Even small moments daily can guarantee happiness.

“There are two ways to be happy: improve your reality, or lower your expectations,” Jodi Picoult said.

Ultimately, the key to happiness is a combination of both external and internal factors, including meaningful relationships, engaging work, personal growth, and a sense of purpose and meaning.

You might find that it takes time, self-discovery and reflection on your many daily habits, routines, rituals and actions.

Overall, happiness is not a one-dimensional concept but rather a complex and multifaceted one that can be influenced by a wide range of internal and external factors.

To increase your happiness and well-being, take a holistic approach that addresses all aspects of your life: physical health, mental health, relationships, and purpose or meaning.

And finally, remember to design your happiness for the present.

Don’t wait for a life-changing experience or event to bring out the most important human emotions. Invest in happy habits now.

This article originally appeared in Medium.