Happiness is something we’re all entitled to and we’re constantly in pursuit of. Being happy isn’t just about chasing something that makes us smile. It’s also about consistently being able to give value and meaning to our work and our life. Those who are happiest in the world tend to find meaning in the daily things they’re involved in.
Turns out being happy isn’t all that difficult. Being happy is as simple as mastering a few simple habits. Here are some of the habits and things successful and happy people do and avoid.
1. They enjoy the little moments
Happy people don’t need to constantly seek thrills and excitement in order to be happy. The adrenaline rush that comes from cheap thrills only last a few moments. And they’re often difficult to obtain and forces you to constantly chase them. Happy people know that’s not sustainable. They enjoy the simple things and the little moments that make life meaningful. Whether it’s taking time to sip their coffee, listening to music, or taking in the warmth of an afternoon, they make it a point to enjoy these moments.
2. They forgive
Happy people stay happy because they also have the capacity to forgive and let go of things. And more importantly, they also forgive themselves. They’re not caught up on their imperfections or the opportunities they missed out on. Mistakes happen. People can be wrong. And sometimes expectations aren’t met. These are all natural part of life, and happy people understand that. They simply accept it and move on.
3. They give generously
Happy people also happen to be some of the most giving people you’ll ever meet. Giving in itself is a healthy act as it releases dopamine (a chemical that makes you feel good) and promotes good health. But it’s not just the act of giving that separates them, it’s their intention. Happy people aren’t giving to look good or to temporarily feel like they contribute to a cause. Happy people give to make an impact. And that results in them giving generously. But it’s not
4. They spend quality time with loved ones
As obvious as it sounds, happy people spend significantly more time with their loved ones as opposed to their counterpart (those who are unhappy). Spending quality time with those closest to you and those you love also help release dopamine, which heightens your mood and overall promotes a healthier immune system. So not only does spending time with loved ones make them happier, but it also makes them healthier.
5. They know how to say “no”
They’re not people who rush things or take on too many tasks they can’t handle. Happy people give themselves the time and space to focus on things that matter. And they also happen to be experts at saying no to other’s requests.
6. They read A LOT
Reading has been tied to happiness. Those who read tend to be more critical and analytical of their world. And contrary to the popular saying that “ignorance is bliss”. Knowledge does bring happiness. Reading expands the mind, broaden their level of understanding, and enables them to understand their world. This deeper understanding translates to intellectual satisfaction.
7. They prioritize
Happy people have priorities. Sounds obvious right? Well, it is, and you too should have priorities in your life. Set goals for yourself. Set priorities and deadlines for those goals and make sure you achieve them. Having a high level of priorities also enables them to be focus and level headed.
8. They’re genuinely happy for other people
You won’t find happy people jealous or envious too often. More often than not, they’re the first ones to call, reach out, and celebrate other people’s successes. Their success shouldn’t mean anyone else’s demise. And other people’s success doesn’t take away from their own.
9. They’re kind to those who can never return the favor
Being kind and helping others when it benefits you is easy to do. Being generous and sincere when someone is watching is also an easy thing to accomplish. But being kind when you absolutely don’t need to be, and when there’s clearly no benefits for you, that’s the character of truly happy people who only desire to give back and expect little in return.
10. They have a positive outlook on everything
Happy people tend to be very optimistic…at everything. Very few things can bring them down, or keep them down for long. No matter what life throws at them, they have a way to flip the table and find some positive in it.
11. They’re good listeners
They’re exceptional listeners. You’ll often find them listening intently and asking questions instead of stealing your spotlight and making the conversation about themselves. Being a good listener also makes others happy when they’re around them.
12. They genuinely care about you
Happy people know the world isn’t just about them. You’re also in it too. And your happiness also matters to them. They will often check up on you and make sure you’re okay. They genuinely care about you and your well being.
13. They have self-control
Being happy is a discipline. It requires a commitment to a handful of habits that will eventually contribute to a happier and healthier lifestyle. And committing to those disciplines will require a high level of self-control. Happy people are in absolute control over their wants, needs, and desires. And they’re disciplined enough to stay focused and commit to habits that will eventually make them happy.
14. They accept responsibilities
Happy people accept responsibilities when they’re at fault. They don’t make excuses, beat around the bush, or try to weasel their way out of things.
15. They eat healthy
This will probably come at no surprise to anyone. A large part of your happiness does come from how you take care of your body and your diet. Eating healthy and being mindful of what you put inside your body has long term effect that can contribute to ultimately being happy. Having a healthy eating habit goes beyond just simply getting a salad every chance you get. Developing a healthy eating habit means you’re going to give yourself a balanced diet and have diversity in your daily eating habits.
16. They’re grateful
Happy people are grateful for everything that they have. And because they’re grateful and have an abundance belief, they tend to find more things to be grateful for. Being grateful is healthy for the person who expresses it, and also for everyone else around them. And when you’re around someone who is constantly grateful, you naturally want to do more for them because you know how grateful and appreciative they are.
17. They know how to appreciate people
Appreciation is a powerful thing and it’s not often done right. Not everyone receives appreciation in the same way. Most people only know a few ways to show and express appreciation and they give everyone the same treatment. It will be a hit or missed effort. Happy (and successful) people understand a wide variety of ways to show appreciation and they know how to give it and the exact quantity to give. Showing too much appreciation can come off as fake. And showing the wrong kind of appreciation can be misinterpreted as carelessness.
18. They work out every single day
Another not so surprisingly habit of happy people is that they work out…every day. Yes, that’s right. Every single day. Now that doesn’t mean they hit the gym hard every day. It just means that they exercise, stretch, jog, or do some level of calorie-burning activity each day. There are countless studies showing that having good health, vitality, and a consistent workout schedule contributes to a long, healthy, and happy life.
19. They have a savings
Strange how this would be on the list of happy habits? Not at all. Happy people are also financially secured and tend to have a sizable saving that gives them the confidence they need to weather any storm that comes in the future. Think about it, if you have a large saving that’s been acquired over the course of your lifetime, you’ll always have a safety. The best part is, you built that safety net yourself.
20. They’re not bothered by trends
Trends will come and go. Happy people aren’t affected by them. They’re also not likely to follow either fashion or media trends because they understand those things will change. And with the changes, will also come to a financial depreciation of old trends. Why spend money on things that will lose value and cease to make you happy?
21. They have a great morning routine
Waking up successful and happy will dramatically change the outcome of your day. Happy and successful people make it a point to develop a morning ritual that will ensure they have the best possible outcome – every single day. They’re high achievers and performers largely due to their morning routines. Many of their routines will include habits previously mentioned such as eating healthy, working out, and reading. If you want to be both happier and successful, having a morning ritual that you stick to is a must.
22. They dress well
We all know the old saying “dress for success” has many truths to it. Dressing up every single day and always looking your absolute best does a lot for our psychology and self-image. When you look good, and you know it, that good feeling is naturally conveyed in your posture, your speech pattern, and your overall attitude. The better you dress, the more confident you will appear to others. And the more confidence you exude, the better your overall results in life will be. Happy people have adopted both a great morning routine and a fantastic wardrobe.
23. They’re meticulously organized
There’s a direct link between happiness, success, and organization. Successful people are meticulously organized in every aspect of their life. Whether it’s how they take notes, their closest, their desktop screen, how they organized their schedule, these people are meticulous. And there’s a good reason for that. Being organized helps them actually think better. The simple process of organizing their life allows them to also organize their thoughts resulting in their heightened ability to make better decisions. This is especially helpful if you’re in a leadership or management position.
24. They have a small select circle of friends
Happy people don’t need many friends to be happy. They often don’t have time to entertain everyone and will minimize their circle to just a select few. Having a few select friends also allow them to pay more attention to those few and focus on those relationships instead of spreading themselves too thin.
25. They ask a lot of questions
Happy people are also curious people. And naturally, they ask a lot of questions. Asking questions allows them to get to know other people around them better and also constantly expand their mind. They’re always challenging their very own limiting beliefs and always asking questions to further their understanding.
26. They’re selfless
Similar to being generous, they’re selfless people. They enjoy helping others and take great pride in their ability to make a difference in the world. Happy people also care about those around them and display that through their ability to listen, ask questions, show appreciation, and be there for others when they’re most needed. Although they may be selfless, they’re certainly not a doormat and know when someone is taking advantage of their kindness.
Conclusion
If you’re looking to build habits for a happier, healthier, and more successful life, try working on a few of the habits on this list. You certainly don’t need to master all 26 habits in order to achieve results. And not everything on this list is required for your happiness. Try it out for yourself and build your own happiness recipe. And keep in mind that these habits can’t be developed overnight and each and every one of them will require a level of commitment and determination from you. Some habits may take weeks and others may take years to fully develop and be successfully incorporated into your lifestyle. Regardless of which path you take, as long as you’re constantly trying to improve yourself and your happiness, you’re on the right path. But don’t give up just because you’re not seeing results. Keep working at it, and happiness will find you.
My favorite part is They know how to say “NO”. I think is one of the hardest for me. Great post😀
It is really a good article. I don’t usually read books. Because I don’t like to read. It’s a simple reason. But I’ve been watching lots of documentary video or tv show instead of reading. I’d like to say it is one of my happy habits.
Great post! I have several personal development books but I don’t take the time to read them. Whenever I say I will, I’m too tired.Thanks for sharing!
I love this list, it’s so in depth! I think a positive mindset is key to just about anything in life. If you can put yourself in a more positive place, life changes.