It's easy to feel trapped in the life you've already built, like a bird in a cage whose door has been left open, yet it stays inside, afraid of what might be waiting out there. But let me share with you a secret: it's never too late to choose happiness.

Back in the day, before the world recognized me as Tim Han – the man behind Success Insider and the creator of the Life Mastery Achievers (LMA) course – I was just an everyday guy. I was facing frustration, disappointment, and sometimes it felt like I was stuck in that cage, too. But I realized that life is not something that just happens to you; it's something you actively create and take responsibility for.

Gazing into the looking glass of the past, the tar pits I once found myself drowning in now lay behind me. They're simply stepping stones leading me towards where I am today, an influential figure in the world of personal development, yes, but more than that, a beacon of change. This journey has taught me that persistence, resilience, and above all, happiness, are choices we make.

Consider for a moment the lotus flower, blooming beautiful and unscathed amidst the murkiest of waters, untouched by its surroundings. Now, imagine you hold that power within yourself. You possess the strength and the determination to thrive, irrespective of your circumstances. What if your quest for happiness begins with making choices that lead you closer to this radiant light?

Let's dive into some actionable strategies. The first step towards choosing happiness is to embrace the right mindset. Just like a professional athlete who visualizes their goals daily, train your mind to picture happiness, and most importantly, believe it can come true. Fuel these images with positive reaffirmation, consistency, and a dash of courage. Remember, happiness isn't a destination, it's a journey.

Next, identify any negative thought patterns and confront them. Is there a specific thought or emotion that constantly brings you down? You might be surprised to learn mindfulness and cognitive behavioural techniques can help you tackle these issues and convert them into positive thrusts propelling you towards happiness.

Thirdly, don't shy away from seeking help when needed. When I started my journey, I was surrounded by understanding and compassionate people who helped shape my path. And this isn't about weakness. Seeking aid is an act of bravery, acknowledging that there's room for improvement.

Opportunities to learn and grow are hidden in the most unlikely crevices. Embrace each day as a chance to evolve, a chance to take another step on this journey to happiness. Start with gratitude; when you begin to appreciate what you already have, you create room for more positivity and contentment in your life.

Learn from those who've walked this path before. Take Thomas Edison, for example. Despite facing countless failures, he remarked, “I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work.” This unwavering optimism and resilience are just what you need on your path.

So, ask yourself this: How can you foster more happiness in your life? What choices can you make today that will bring you closer to it?

In essence, choosing happiness is a commitment to accepting ourselves, and every little facet that makes us unique. It's a journey that requires constant work, patience, and tenderness. It's a celebration of enjoying the pursuit rather than reaching an end.

Remember, like a diamond that requires time and pressure to transform into its brilliant self, your trek towards happiness is ongoing. No matter where you are today or what you're battling, I want you to know this truth — it's never too late. Every day offers a clean slate, a brand-new opportunity to make a choice, the choice of happiness.

True strength lies within you, in making these choices knowingly, in pushing forward despite the odds, in realizing that, in reality, the cage was always open. And now, it's time for you to take flight.