> I’ve also never had any luck with this and am increasingly convinced some people aren’t destined to be happy.

Roughly everyone. Happiness is an unattainable construct designed to sell you more stuff and experiences. It isn’t real.

Contentment, though, now that’s achievable. But it doesn’t get talked about because it doesn’t monetize well.

The Oatmeal has my favorite explanation/take on this: https://theoatmeal.com/comics/unhappy