There are two types of people in the world: those who choose
to be happy, and those who choose to be unhappy. Contrary to popular belief,
happiness does not come from fame, fortune, other people, or material
possessions. Rather, it comes from within. The richest person in the world
could be miserable while a homeless person could be right outside, smiling and
content with their life. Happy people are happy because they make themselves
happy. They maintain a positive outlook on life and remain at peace with
themselves.
The question is: how do they do that?
It’s quite simple. Happy people have good habits that
enhance their lives. They do things differently. Ask any happy person, and they
will tell you that they …
1. Don’t hold grudges.
Happy people understand that it’s better to forgive and
forget than to let their negative feelings crowd out their positive feelings.
Holding a grudge has a lot of detrimental effects on your wellbeing, including
increased depression, anxiety, and stress. Why let anyone who has wronged you
have power over you? If you let go of all your grudges, you’ll gain a clear
conscience and enough energy to enjoy the good things in life.
2. Treat everyone with kindness.
Did you know that it has been scientifically proven that
being kind makes you happier? Every time you perform a selfless act, your brain
produces serotonin, a hormone that eases tension and lifts your spirits. Not
only that, but treating people with love, dignity, and respect also allows you
to build stronger relationships.
3. See problems as challenges.
The word “problem” is never part of a happy person’s
vocabulary. A problem is viewed as a drawback, a struggle, or an unstable
situation while a challenge is viewed as something positive like an
opportunity, a task, or a dare. Whenever you face an obstacle, try looking at
it as a challenge.
4. Express gratitude for what they already have.
There’s a popular saying that goes something like this: “The
happiest people don’t have the best of everything; they just make the best of
everything they have.” You will have a deeper sense of contentment if you count
your blessings instead of yearning for what you don’t have.
5. Dream big.
People who get into the habit of dreaming big are more
likely to accomplish their goals than those who don’t. If you dare to dream
big, your mind will put itself in a focused and positive state.
6. Don’t sweat the small stuff.
Happy people ask themselves, “Will this problem matter a
year from now?” They understand that life’s too short to get worked up over
trivial situations. Letting things roll off your back will definitely put you
at ease to enjoy the more important things in life.
7. Speak well of others.
Being nice feels better than being mean. As fun as gossiping
is, it usually leaves you feeling guilty and resentful. Saying nice things
about other people encourages you to think positive, non-judgmental thoughts.
8. Never make excuses.
Benjamin Franklin once said, “He that is good for making
excuses is seldom good for anything else.” Happy people don’t make excuses or
blame others for their own failures in life. Instead, they own up to their
mistakes and, by doing so, they proactively try to change for the better.
9. Get absorbed into the present.
Happy people don’t dwell on the past or worry about the
future. They savor the present. They let themselves get immersed in whatever
they’re doing at the moment. Stop and smell the roses.
10. Wake up at the same time every morning.
Have you noticed that a lot of successful people tend to be
early risers? Waking up at the same time every morning stabilizes your
circadian rhythm, increases productivity, and puts you in a calm and centered
state.
11. Avoid social comparison.
Everyone works at his own pace, so why compare yourself to
others? If you think you’re better than someone else, you gain an unhealthy
sense of superiority. If you think someone else is better than you, you end up
feeling bad about yourself. You’ll be happier if you focus on your own progress
and praise others on theirs.
12. Choose friends wisely.
Misery loves company. That’s why it’s important to surround
yourself with optimistic people who will encourage you to achieve your goals.
The more positive energy you have around you, the better you will feel about
yourself.
13. Never seek approval from others.
Happy people don’t care what others think of them. They
follow their own hearts without letting naysayers discourage them. They
understand that it’s impossible to please everyone. Listen to what people have
to say, but never seek anyone’s approval but your own.
14. Take the time to listen.
Talk less; listen more. Listening keeps your mind open to
others’ wisdoms and outlooks on the world. The more intensely you listen, the
quieter your mind gets, and the more content you feel.
15. Nurture social relationships.
A lonely person is a miserable person. Happy people
understand how important it is to have strong, healthy relationships. Always
take the time to see and talk to your family, friends, or significant other.
16. Meditate.
Meditating silences your mind and helps you find inner
peace. You don’t have to be a zen master to pull it off. Happy people know how
to silence their minds anywhere and anytime they need to calm their nerves.
17. Eat well.
Junk food makes you sluggish, and it’s difficult to be happy
when you’re in that kind of state. Everything you eat directly affects your
body’s ability to produce hormones, which will dictate your moods, energy, and
mental focus. Be sure to eat foods that will keep your mind and body in good
shape.
18. Exercise.
Studies have shown that exercise raises happiness levels
just as much as Zoloft does. Exercising also boosts your self-esteem and gives
you a higher sense of self-accomplishment.
19. Live minimally.
Happy people rarely keep clutter around the house because
they know that extra belongings weigh them down and make them feel overwhelmed
and stressed out. Some studies have concluded that Europeans are a lot happier
than Americans are, which is interesting because they live in smaller homes,
drive simpler cars, and own fewer items.
20. Tell the truth.
Lying stresses you out, corrodes your self-esteem, and makes
you unlikeable. The truth will set you free. Being honest improves your mental
health and builds others’ trust in you. Always be truthful, and never apologize
for it.
21. Establish personal control.
Happy people have the ability to choose their own destinies.
They don’t let others tell them how they should live their lives. Being in
complete control of one’s own life brings positive feelings and a great sense
of self-worth.
22. Accept what cannot be changed.
Once you accept the fact that life is not fair, you’ll be
more at peace with yourself. Instead of obsessing over how unfair life is, just
focus on what you can control and change it for the better.
