When people ask me what I want in life, the answer is always to be happy. In the big picture of human life, everyone, no matter where they are, wants to be happy. But, how is that achieved? I took a look at what people around the world do to be happy. I found that whether you’re in California or Calcutta, there are common habits of happy people that make life more balanced and joyful for everyone.
1. Have an Attitude of Gratitude
Let me share a nugget of wisdom that countless studies shout from the mountaintops: gratitude is the golden ticket to happiness! Happy folks have this knack for zooming in on the positive, even when life serves up a frothy latte with an unexpected twist.
Instead of going full steam ahead when the barista accidentally messes up on your triple shot, non-fat, no foam, sugar-free Vanilla latte, you take a beat and think, “Hey, I’m just grateful I could afford a cup of joe to kickstart my day!” It’s a game-changer, trust me. And there are always things to be grateful for.
The best way to practice being thankful is to start your very own gratitude journal. Every day, jot down five things you’re thankful for. To help, we’ve designed daily and weekly gratitude worksheets for you:
2. Surround Themselves with Positive People
Happy people surround themselves with positivity and steer clear of the negativity brigade. Happy folks know that hanging out with perpetual pessimists is like stepping into a rain cloud of gloominess. We all have those friends who see everything through a dark lens, right? Well, it’s time to give them a virtual hug and distance yourself.
Your happiness deserves a VIP guest list. Seek out meaningful connections with people who uplift, support, and radiate good vibes. These are the people who sprinkle a little extra sunshine into your life. Surround yourself with the joy-bringers, and watch how your own happiness blooms too.
3. Live in the Present Moment
Living in the present is a key player of the habits of happy people. They’re not caught up in the drama of the past or sweating bullets about the uncertainties of tomorrow. Oh no, they’re right here, right now, soaking in the beauty of the present moment.
Drop the baggage of that spat you had with your husband three days ago. Seriously, let it go. The hurtful words? Not worth your energy. And that birthday bash for your 6-year-old princess next week? Take a deep breath, release the anxiety, and stay firmly rooted in the present.
It’s like they always say: the present is a gift, and it’s called the present for a reason.
4. They Are Goal Setters
Happy souls are like architects of their dreams. They set goals, map out their route, and navigate the journey with purpose. They get it – you can’t get anywhere without a destination in mind.
But here’s the real kicker: these goal-setters understand that the journey is just as juicy as the destination. It’s not just about reaching the summit; it’s about the breathtaking climb along the way. And, guess what? Many of them have bucket lists, because who doesn’t love a good adventure checklist?
Why not take a page from the book of happy people. Today, right now, set five goals for yourself. Dream big, aim high, and savor every step of the journey. Your goals are the stars guiding you, and the journey?
5. They Don’t Strive for Perfection
Within the habits of happy people teach us a sacred truth – there’s no such thing as perfection. Striving for it? Well, that’s a one-way ticket to the land of disappointment.
David Burns drops a truth bomb that hits home: “Perfection is man’s ultimate illusion. It simply doesn’t exist in the universe. There is no perfection.” Can we just pause for a moment and let that sink in? Chasing perfection is like chasing a rainbow that you can never catch.”
If you find yourself tangled in the perfectionist web, remember this: it’s a losing game. Everything, and I mean everything, can be improved upon if you look at it with a discerning eye. Every person, idea, work of art, and experience – they’re all a work in progress. So, let go of the illusion, embrace the journey of improvement.
I'm a ridiculously optimistic person. It drives some people nuts. However, I agree that surrounding yourself with positive people is a key to maintaining happiness. I have a friend who is extremely negative and I find that even I, Ms. Ultra-Positive, gets dragged down by her negativity and I begin to complain about things as well.
I find myself doing something really weird whenever someone is down, I tend to be overly happy to try to bring them up and if someone is overly happy then the roles are reversed and they're trying to pick me up. I think the key for me is to be the same in all circumstances. Here's hoping!
Thank you for sharing these insightful habits of happy people! Your post is a wonderful reminder of the simple yet impactful practices that contribute to happiness. Grateful for the inspiration and reminders to incorporate these habits into our lives. Your insights are truly uplifting!
Thank you! I’m thrilled to hear that you found the insights valuable. It’s always a pleasure to share positive practices that contribute to happiness. Wishing you continued joy and fulfillment as you incorporate these habits into your life. Feel free to share your experiences or any additional tips you may have. Here’s to a happy and fulfilling journey!