Throughout ‘The Happiness of Pursuit,’ pivotal questions are raised: What defines a quest? How does it differ from a goal or a dream? While the book doesn’t provide a definitive answer to these questions, it offers a clear definition of what a quest entails within its pages. As I immersed myself in the stories of featured “quest pursuers,” I found myself journeying alongside them, gaining new insights and inspiration.

One particularly memorable quest was that of Jia Jiang, who, upon recognising his fear of rejection, embarked on a daring challenge known as “100 Days of Rejection.” His plan was to request outrageous favours from strangers to desensitise himself to rejection and overcome his fears. It was a brilliant and unconventional approach that left a lasting impression on me. Later, I watched Jia Jiang’s TEDx talk, where he further elaborated on his quest. You can view it here. Reading this enriching piece of literature not only brought me closer to my own truths and challenged me to confront my fears but also reminded me of the importance of planning to achieve our heart’s desires.

The stories in ‘The Happiness of Pursuit’ are more than just anecdotes; they are powerful narratives that inspire us to embrace our ambitions. The book emphasises that while a quest may not have a rigid definition, it is a personal journey that pushes us beyond our comfort zones and leads to profound self-discovery. Each quest featured in the book serves as a testament to the human spirit’s resilience and creativity, encouraging us to pursue our own unique paths with determination and courage.

I’ve since returned to my trusty to-do lists and embraced my tendency to over-plan, knowing that without a plan, a dream remains just that—a dream. Planning provides structure and direction, transforming abstract desires into achievable goals. It is this blend of meticulous preparation and unwavering resolve that propels us toward success and fulfilment.