The ironic thing about happiness is that the more you pursue it, the less happy you tend to be. Pursue meaning and then you will have both.

This book makes my point well – "The Power of Meaning: Finding Fulfillment in a World Obsessed with Happiness" by Emily Esfahani Smith.

Start reading it for free: https://a.co/dTE2aLl

That said, I hear you about making the most of the present. That brings to mind a quote from "It's a Wonderful Life" -- "Youth is wasted on alll the wrong people!" Enjoy it! Making good choices helps. But don't be afraid to dream big and fail. Take smart risks.