Everyone is seeking happiness in some form. Whether it be through material things, relationships, or even staying fit, we all are trying to reach the same end goal. We get so caught up trying to grasp a hold of what we desire that many of us don't realize how lucky we are to be in the present moment.

It's okay to set goals and have dreams that may seem impossible right now. By having a direction, you're already on your way there. That alone should bring you happiness.

A crucial key to happiness is re-wiring your mindset. Trust me, I know that it's much easier said than done. The most important part of this step is patience. Please have patience with yourself. We live in a time where almost everything comes instantly. The majority of us are ready to throw our devices out of the window when it takes more than a second for a webpage to load. We can't react that way when our goals take a little longer than we anticipated. As you've all probably heard before, "Rome wasn't built in a day." And as hackneyed as the phrase may be, it's just as true.

To the one looking for the newest designer bag to bring you happiness, it won't. One day you'll flaunt it one last time, and just like that it will be out of season, collecting dust in the bottom of your closet never to be seen again. So you'll set your eyes on the next one and the cycle will repeat in an eternal loop.

To the one that's constantly on the search for love, hopping in and out of relationships trying to find happiness in someone else, you won't. Don't think for a second that a relationship will give you the satisfaction that you need. You don't need someone else to complete you. You are a complete person by yourself. Even when you think you've found the perfect mate, you're going to be disappointed.

To the one that never misses leg day or yoga or fails to drink 8 glasses of water a day like the health guide instructs you to, your killer body won't satisfy you. Yes, physical activity is important, but it isn't the key to happiness. When you look at models and athletes they might seem like they're living the perfect life. But, they deal with issues just like you and their seemingly perfect physique won't take that away.

These desires aren't intrinsically bad things at all. It isn't a crime to buy expensive things or fall in love, but you have to be careful that you aren't equating such things with happiness. If you don't have what you want right now, you can still be happy. The day that you stop denying yourself that will be the day that your happiness begins.