How to Actually Create Happiness - It's Not What You Think

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Most people never feel truly happy—despite success, comfort, or achievement. Why? Because they’re chasing the wrong thing.

In this episode of Personal Mastery, Harvard-trained coach and researcher, Jerry Henderson shares the real reason happiness feels elusive—and what to do instead.

You’ll learn why happiness isn’t something you find, but something you create—as a byproduct of a deeply fulfilling life.

With powerful neuroscience insights, practical steps, and a research-backed framework, Jerry helps you break free from the dopamine trap and start building a life that feels meaningful, aligned, and emotionally rich.

If you’ve ever felt like “there has to be more,” this is the episode that shows you what “more” actually is—and how to create it.

👉 Plus: Stick around until the end for a simple neuroscience-based exercise to shift your emotional state in just a few minutes.

👉 Learn more about Jerry’s 1-on-1 coaching program: Personal Mastery Coaching

“Here's the truth about happiness and here's what the research tells us about. It is that happiness is not something that you find. It's actually a byproduct of building a life that feels meaningful, aligned and real”

Chapters:

00:00 – Why Most People Are Unhappy
02:21 – Stop Chasing Happiness
03:44 – The Science of Happiness vs. Dopamine
08:29 – The Hedonic Treadmill Trap
09:12 – Fulfillment Is the Real Goal
10:23 – Happiness Is a Byproduct
11:45 – What Makes Life Truly Fulfilling
14:22 – The Personal Mastery Framework
15:39 – Step 1: Pay Attention to What is Fulfilling
17:16 – Step 2: Identify the Meaning of What Fulfills You
18:03 – Step 3: Savor the Moments That Fulfill You
18:53 – Step 4: Prioritize Relationships That Fulfill You
20:07 – Step 5: Build Your Life Around Fulfillment
22:32 – Bonus: Shift Your Mood in Minutes