The better word is joy.
Seeking joy is the greatest thing you can do in this life. All other things will fall in place along this path.

I didn't say be happy (or be sad) I said seek joy. Trying to be happy, as you say, is putting the cart before the horse. Trying to force things, that can't be forced.

There is no neutral place.
There is more sadness and despair than we can imagine. And there is more joy and happiness than we can imagine. Even trying to discuss such things leads to phrases like: "having good sex, times ten, all the time. And that is just saying, hello"

As we bring more joy into the world, more joy is possible.