Happiness is and will always be the most cherished, yet most elusive, of all human desires. Day in and day out, many search for happiness, but end the day empty handed.
Happiness isn’t something that someone gives us, nor is it something that we have to have permission for. Happiness is a state of mind that is created from within. Here are 11 ways to ensure happiness is a part of your everyday life.
1. State your achievements
“There is joy in work. There is no happiness except in the realization that we have accomplished something.” – Henry Ford
It’s easy to get caught up in day-to-day life and never take the time to reflect on the things we have accomplished. Each of us has done plenty of awesome things in our lives.
So what if life isn’t perfect at this exact moment. It’s okay that it’s taking a tad bit longer with your fitness goals. Don’t worry that you haven’t reached the pinnacle of your career just yet.
The most important thing is that you are moving forward and you’re in a better position today than you were yesterday.
Start a journal listing accomplishments, milestones, and breakthroughs you’ve experienced. After writing this list, take a moment or two to reflect on all you’ve done.
2. Include the little things you love into your day-to-day life
“Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.” – Robert Brault
I’m sure you’ve heard the saying, “It’s the little things in life that matter.” The little things are the small and often underappreciated aspects of life that truly make us happy. Rather, it’s your favorite cup of Joe, your morning walk along the beach, attending your favorite yoga class, or wearing that outfit that makes you feel like a million bucks.
Schedule your life around the small details that bring you happiness.
3. Do what you love
As Steve Jobs famously said, “Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle. As with all matters of the heart, you’ll know when you find it.”
People who do what they love for a living tend to live a happier and more productive life, have higher self-esteem, and better health.
4. Paint your perfect day
“To accomplish great things, we must first dream, then visualize, then plan…believe…act!” – Alfred A. Montapert
Everyone has the power to live each day exactly the way they want to. We all have the same 24 hours to work with. It’s up to you to decide how to fill up those minutes.
Ask yourself, are you wasting time watching reality TV, sleeping late, complaining about your job, and wishing for a better life? Or are you going after your goals and dreams, and doing whatever it takes to reach them?
Take these 3 steps to achieve your perfect day:
- Realize you have the power to achieve anything you’ve ever wanted and no one else can do the work for you.
- Figure out what your perfect day looks like.
- You must believe 100% that your perfect day will become a reality.
5. Put yourself above everything else
“Love yourself first and everything else falls into line. You really have to love yourself to get anything done in the world.” – Lucille Ball
It’s time you put yourself first and become selfish. While it’s admirable to help others, don’t forget to show yourself some love. Treat yourself to a massage. Take a weekend trip where you can disconnect from the noisy world you live in.
Block out your time and let no one cut in.
6. Tell yourself today will be awesome
“Success is a state of mind. If you want success, start thinking of yourself as a success.” – Dr. Joyce Brothers
Happiness comes from within. Happiness starts with reshaping your mindset to be positive and eliminating all negative thoughts.
Be positive and believe in yourself, no matter the obstacles that might stand in your way.
7. Forget being perfect and accept yourself as is
“If you look for perfection, you’ll never be content.” – Leo Tolstoy
People often act confident and secure around others but deep down, they’re insecure.
Realize we live in an imperfect world and stop comparing yourself to others (it’s not worth it to play ‘Keeping up with the Joneses’).
Once you learn to accept yourself for who you are, life becomes simpler and more peaceful.
8. Surround yourself with the right company
“Surround yourself with only people who are going to lift you higher.” – Oprah Winfrey
Your friends should bring out the best version of you and help you strive to new levels in life. Think of your company in terms of quality instead of quantity.
It’s more important to have a few quality friends who inspire you, than tons of friends who leave you in a negative state of mind.
9. Stop worrying and keep it moving
“Stop worrying about what you have to lose and start focusing on what you have to gain.” – Author unknown
Life is full of what ifs and endless possibilities. Whatever is going to happen, is going to happen, whether you worry or not.
So, why waste time worrying when some things you have no control over?
If what you are worrying about isn’t within your means to be solved, then move on and don’t let it put a damper on your parade. Embrace the uncertainty that life brings us and get to enjoying life.
10. Get out of your comfort zone and become bold
“Move out of your comfort zone. You can only grow if you are willing to feel awkward and uncomfortable when you try something new.” – Brian Tracy
We cannot become what we want to be by remaining what we are.” – Max Depree
Nothing worth having comes with a 100% guarantee of success, nor should it. Being willing to take risks is what life is all about.
Living in your comfort zone shrinks your world and gives you tunnel vision. Instead of thinking, “If only I had…,” take a leap of faith and maybe, just maybe, you’ll discover the life you always wanted.
11. Have a feel-good song
“Words make you think. Music makes you feel. A song makes you feel a thought.” – Yip Harburg
Everyone needs a go-to song when they need to brighten up their day. It’s been proven that music can make us happy even on our worst of days.
Here’s a go-to song that even the saddest person will have to crack a smile to when listening.
What song is always sure to make you smile and feel awesome? Comment below.
Featured photo credit: charamelody via flickr.com
