Mixed martial artist Jared Cannonier frequently stresses the value of finding joy and contentment in his hardships. Using positive emotions as motivation to overcome obstacles is central to his philosophy. Cannonier thinks that in order to keep going through difficult times, he should feed his mind and spirit with joy, much like an athlete does before a major competition by supplying their bodies with nutritious food.

Cannonier's early years were difficult and characterized by struggle because he was born into a difficult environment. Growing up in Miami's inner city, he encountered many challenges that might have prevented him from achieving his goals. He made the decision to seek out happy and joyful moments rather than allowing these challenges to overshadow his goals. For him, keeping a positive attitude depended on discovering these little joys.

Cannonier's strategy is comparable to using a lighthouse in a stormy sea; the light gives sailors hope and direction while guiding them through hazardous waters. In the same way, Cannonier uses his happiness as a light in the dark to keep going after his objectives in the uncertain world of mixed martial arts.

He wants to encourage those going through their own struggles to find ways to add happiness into their lives by spreading this philosophy. No matter how difficult things may appear on the surface, his message exhorts everyone to find reasons to be happy and smile.