I n f l u e n c e : Achieving heaven on earth: The true meaning of happiness.

Achieving Heaven on Earth

Now that’s one hell of a title. Sounds like clickbait, doesn’t it? It might even be clickbait.

But what if it’s not? What if I’m actually onto something?

What if we could bring the Garden of Eden into our direct reality? Even more so, what if it’s entirely under your control?

Let’s talk about happiness—the intangible treasure kings and billionaires have chased for centuries.

Why kings and billionaires? The old “money doesn’t buy happiness” cliché that everyone spews left and right? It’s not that simple. Money matters; it enhances survival, buys pleasure, and gives us freedom to pursue what we want.

But here’s the thing: most of life’s most precious gems have nothing to do with money.

The True Treasures of Life

Experiences & Memories
Connections
Skills & Abilities
Knowledge
Mindsets
Purpose
Safety
Pleasure

Money is a tool—a means to these ends. But why do we often give it sole credit for happiness? The truth is, it’s not money itself that fulfills us; it’s the process of progress we go through to achieve these things.

Tony Robbins nailed it when he said: “It’s not what we have that makes us happy, but who we become.”

It’s the grind, the journey, and the growth that makes us feel alive.

Think about it: our ancestors weren’t sitting still. Those hairy mfs were out there hunting mammoths and conquering the world. They didn’t stagnate—they evolved. Life itself demands progress. Growth and development are hardwired into our DNA.

Growth vs. Decay: The Choice is Yours

Here’s a harsh truth: life doesn’t have a pause button. You’re either on an upward trajectory or a downward spiral. There’s no middle ground.

Take the “children in adult meat suits” analogy. You know the type—grown men still clinging to the insecurities they had as teens. They never addressed their issues, and as they aged, those habits and mindsets calcified into something even worse. That’s decay.

Now flip the script. Imagine a life of constant improvement. Growing older, not like spoiled milk, but like fine wine:

Stronger
Smarter
More skilled
Wiser
Better looking (yeah, I said it).

Peaking in high school or college? That’s a myth for people who gave up. Your peak isn’t a moment; it’s a process. And if you’re reading this, here’s your invitation to get back on the path of champions.

As a combat athlete, I know my peak performance window is 32-35, but with my mindset and work ethic, I’m stretching that peak to 60. You’ll see me as a 60-year-old Master Shifu still holding the belt. Until then, let’s take notes from legends like Georges St-Pierre—40 years old, built like a diamond.

How many 20- or 30-year-olds do you know who already look like crap? Exactly.

The Power of Authenticity

You can’t be happy pretending to be someone else. That’s why authenticity is crucial.

“Who” and “what” you are is fluid, but it’s the most foundational pillar of your life. External titles—son, father, student, teacher—don’t define you. Your actions do.

Why? Because actions are a reflection of your choices, and choices reveal your values.

Your values are the foundation of congruency—the alignment between who you are and what you do. This alignment isn’t just important; it’s everything.

Life shapes us in two ways:

Nurture: How you were raised, your environment, external influences.
Nature: Your genetic blueprint, natural talents, predispositions.

It’s a 60/40 split, with nurture playing the bigger role. That means most of who you are is within your control.

So, take control. Don’t let your circumstances dictate your identity. Choose your core values and live by them.

Fulfillment and Progress

The real flex in life? Fulfillment.

Find joy in your purpose. Master a skill you’re passionate about. Serve the world with your unique talents. Progressing toward something that aligns with your core values will not only boost your confidence but also flood your brain with dopamine.

Ask yourself:

Do I like who I am?
Am I proud of myself for what I’ve done?
Can I live comfortably with myself for the rest of my life?

The relationship you have with yourself sets the tone for everything else. To love yourself is to love others. To understand yourself is to understand others.

Building a Fulfilling Life

So, take care of yourself. Go to the gym. Do the hard shit. Fight the metaphorical tiger (or a real one if you’re feeling spicy). Meditate. Appreciate a good sunset. Be present.

This isn’t just “self-love.” It’s earned respect for yourself. Give yourself reasons to be proud.

Stay open. Open to blessings, to experiences, to life itself. Openness is what connects us to the world’s beauty—the sunsets, the coffee on a cold morning, the conversations, the moments.

Spiritual gurus call this gratitude. I call it being alive.