If you ask different people what exactly happiness is, get prepared to hear different answers. Some will say: “Once I get married, then my life will really begin.” Others will say: “Once I get promoted, I’ll be the happiest person in the world” or “Once I make $100,100, I’ll finally start enjoying life.”
Happiness has different meanings for different people. But, no matter if it’s being in a relationship with or married to the person you love the most or getting your dream job, or climbing the social ladder that makes you happy, you need to know that if you’re searching for true happiness, you’ll never find it somewhere out there, in places or times far away from you – you can only find it in yourself.
Dalai Lama says: “Happiness is not something ready-made. It comes from your own actions” and I couldn’t agree more. Material things and major life events don’t dictate your happiness. The thing is that such things can make you feel content and make your life more interesting, but they’ll do so only for a while because happiness is fleeting.
And the one which lasts forever depends on yourself. Because you can be as happy as you make your mind up to be. No matter how elusive you might think happiness is, the truth is that it’s within closer reach. All you have to do to achieve it is to make some simple changes, i.e. adopt habits that will enable you to live a fulfilling and satisfying life.
Here are 8 habits you need to adopt to achieve true happiness:
1. Choose to be happy.
When you make choices about what goals and career to pursue, what people to hang out with and trust, or what your top priorities in your life should be, don’t forget to make the choice to be happy.
Focus on the people and things that fill you with joy and give you a peace of mind. Be positive about yourself and don’t allow problems or things you can’t control ruin your day. Each day you open your eyes is a gift that you might not get tomorrow. So, make sure you make the most of it.
2. Stop worrying.
If you have the resources to solve your problems or deal with whatever is weighing on your mind, do that, don’t postpone it until the “perfect time” comes. And if you can’t solve them, stop worrying about them.
Worrying won’t fix your problems or make them disappear. Worrying won’t make you feel better about yourself or help you get where you want to be in life. Worrying only prevents your happiness from flourishing and makes you feel stressed out and confused.
So, instead of worrying about what tomorrow will bring, or whether you’ll accomplish your goals or overcome your problems, focus on the present moment and the things you can control and change.
3. Get rid of negative thoughts.
You’re your own worst critic sometimes. Thinking to yourself that you’re not smart and good enough or that you’re weak and incapable of pursuing your goals, both personal and professional, kills your happiness. It makes you doubt your abilities and strength and holds you back from happiness and the life you want.
Change the way you think about yourself and the world around you, and do your best to counter negative thoughts with positive ones.
4. Learn to forgive.
We all get hurt sooner or later. But, dwelling on old hurts doesn’t make them disappear. Instead, it makes the pain worse and more intense.
Holding grudges against someone won’t punish the person that hurt you and make them feel the same pain they caused you as it does in your daydreams. It’ll only make your anger and resentment fester.
5. Express gratitude.
Regardless of how much you think your life sucks now, trust me, there’re always things to be thankful for. Whether it’s the people whom you love and mean the most to you, or your job, or your hobbies, there are always things that are beneficial for you and make you feel happy and warm on the inside.
So, instead of focusing on what you lack, focus on and appreciate what you already have in life. Say “thank you” to the people who are kind to you and fill you with joy, and show them you appreciate everything they do for you.
6. Make and cultivate friendships.
Friends make your life easier and meaningful. They lift you up when you’re at your lowest. They believe in you even when you’ve given up on yourself. They encourage you to pursue your goals and dreams even when you’ve lost faith in yourself.
They make you feel good about yourself and help you overcome every difficulty and pain life sends your way. They contribute to your happiness and joy. So, make sure you make new friendships and nourish the old ones.
7. Don’t compare yourself to other people.
Your happiness has nothing to do with what your friend, family member, coworker, or neighbor owns or with how beautiful and successful they are. Comparing yourself to others only weakens your confidence and self-esteem.
Measure your life not by what other people are, have, and do in their lives, but by what you have accomplished so far in life and by how many people who truly love and care about you, you’re surrounded with. Don’t feel jealous of what others own and do. Instead, do the things that provide you with pleasure and joy.
8. Be kind to others.
Treat others with kindness, compassion, respect, sincerity, and dignity – the way you want to be treated. Be there for others when they need your help and support and offer your love selflessly.
When you treat other people this way, you make them feel happy and appreciated. And you know how they say: Happiness is contagious, which means that by making others happy, you make yourself happy as well.
Riley Cooper is a professional writer who writes informative and creative articles on topics related to various fields of study. Written with love and enthusiasm, her articles inspire readers to broaden their knowledge of the world, think and get ready to act. If you have a general question or comment please fill out the form and we will get back to you as soon as possible https://curiousmindmagazine.com/contact-us/
