Happiness On Your Terms with Tero Moliis

Are you happy on YOUR terms or someone else's? Find out as Alison dives into a compelling conversation with Tero Moliis, an author and speaker. Tero shares insights from his inspiring book, "Life is a Sandcastle," which delves into themes of mental health, personal happiness, and the importance of self-knowledge as we enter the new year of 2026.

Alison and Tero explore the notion that many people confuse happiness with external goals, often falling into the trap of believing they'll be content once they achieve certain milestones. Tero challenges this mindset, advocating for a shift toward recognizing daily dreams and experiences, no matter how simple they may seem. By valuing small accomplishments, we can cultivate a sense of fulfillment and progress in our lives.

Tero also addresses the complexities of social perception and the paradox of seeking approval from others while striving for self-acceptance. His perspective encourages listeners to focus on their internal impressions instead of external validations. Throughout their chat, he stresses the importance of questioning our beliefs and opinions, urging us to liberate ourselves from inherited notions that may not serve our true selves.

As they discuss decision-making, Tero shares a powerful visualization technique where he imagines standing alone on a deserted island to clarify his choices, free from external pressures. He emphasizes that questioning and answering our thoughts is vital in moving forward, suggesting we should lean into emotions and experiences regardless of how they might be perceived by society.

They touch on the topic of legacy and what it means to leave a lasting mark. Tero advocates for living purposefully and authentically in the present, rather than becoming fixated on how one will be remembered after death. He believes that true impact is reflected in how we live our lives daily and how we influence the people around us, whether they be family, friends, or even students.

HIGHLIGHTS:

2:53 Defining Happiness

4:17 The Pursuit of Dreams

7:09 Knowing Yourself

9:10 Embracing Change

13:04 The Power of Opinion

14:39 Questions for Self-Discovery

16:13 Overcoming Stagnation

18:18 Life is a Sandcastle

20:49 Legacy and Influence

22:53 The Time to Act is Now

25:00 Finding Your Word