10 Habits of Happy People
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10 Habits of Happy People

July 31, 2018

I’ve read many articles since I first started writing about the habits of successful, relaxed, happy people.  I’ve bookmarked tons.  However, the next week or even the next day, I seemingly forget to implement everything that was in the article and wind up inevitably…unhappy.  As we get older, we often realize the importance of putting ourselves first, and trying to place an added importance on our choices resulting in increased happiness.  In speaking with friends, colleagues, and relatives about the matter, I’ve come up with the following ten sustainable habits of happy people:

  1. NOT SWEATING THE SMALL STUFF – This one is key.  The amount of time we waste being upset over little things is alarming.  Yet we all do it.  Ever been upset over that guy riding your tail in traffic, or the bagger at the grocery store or waiter being too slow, or losing your Amazon password after purchasing a new tablet?  Have you ever let that anger seep over to the next part of your day?  Our days are composed of many small events, and it is how we react to the negative events that allows us to have a good day.  It is important to take a step back and ask yourself if these events really matter in the grand scheme of things.  Ask yourself, would I be upset about this in a year? In 5 years?  Probably not.  And then quickly move on.
  2. BEING PATIENT – This one is really tough.  We live in a world of instant gratification.  We’re always looking for the next fix.  It is immensely difficult to be patient waiting for that next promotion at work, working through relationship problems with a partner, helping others, or ourselves.  However, when we rush things, we often ruin the outcome.  We have to “trust the process” a phrase commonly thrown around in sports.
  3. PUTTING IN THE WORK NOW –  We are also a society of procrastinators.  Yet we are always complaining about our current social status.  We go from Netflix show to Prime show to podcast to blog to YouTube video, putting off the things we need to do to achieve our goals.  Putting in the work daily isn’t glamorous.  But sitting around whining about how you are so far off from reaching your goal won’t help things either.  Working to pass the Bar Exam or CPA Exam?  Study now, study daily.  Want to lose weight?  Go to the gym now, make a routine, instead of just talking about it.  Want to start a blog, podcast, or YouTube channel?  Research, put in the work, and work on it day by day.
  4. MOVING ON – I call this one the Titanic Theory.  People cling to something because they have invested so much time in it already.  This won’t help serve you long term.  Successful, happy people know when it’s time to move on.  Whether it be an unbalanced romantic relationship, a failed business venture, or a friendship that is no longer aligned with your personal growth, if sticking around is continually making you upset more often than happy, it is time to call it quits.  So many of us dwell in situations that aren’t suited for us.  Know your worth, that your happiness should be a priority for you, along with health and sanity, and leave any situation that isn’t allowing you to grow.
  5. SPEAKING POSITIVELY – We all have that one friend that complains ALL THE TIME.  Doesn’t he or she realize how draining that is?  Well often we too are guilty of complaining too much.  I’m not saying to look at everything with rose colored glasses.  But I do think it is important to put a limit on how much we complain in a given week.  Whenever we look at things more optimistically, chances are things will be better.  This certainly isn’t always the case, however routine complaining is typically a waste of time and energy that could be better spent doing something else (see point #3).
  6. BE GENEROUS – There’s an old phrase: a little goes a long way.  Ever notice that if you do something small for others, you feel significantly happier than if you buy something for yourself?  Donate your time, your money, do a favor for a friend, or just give someone a compliment.  Be generous with your giving, and you will soon start to feel better about yourself.
  7. THINK FIRST WHEN ANGRY – Always take a moment or two to think before you speak, especially when angry.  And if you do say something you regret, it is helpful to apologize, even if you think it’s too late after the fact.  Chances are, the person you are apologizing to will appreciate it, especially if they see you truly mean it.
  8. APPRECIATE – Every day think of things you are grateful for.  Think of all the blessings you have in your life, even small things you may normally take for granted: food, shelter, water, freedom, friends, love.  There are many people who would give anything to have your life.  That is a staggering thought. Appreciate yourself, too.  You are awesome.  We are way too hard on ourselves in society today.  We expect too much.  Appreciate all the wonderful things you’ve accomplished in your life, and all of the people who are thankful for you.
  9. GROW –  This one is especially important so that we don’t feel stagnant in our lives.  Learn new skills.  Take a new exercise class.  Frequently go on walks.  Explore new areas.  Be in nature.  Visit a museum and learn about the past.  Appreciate art.  Find a new show or podcast.  Go to the library and read a book.  Plan a trip.  Respect something about someone different than you.  If you are active and enriched, you’ll have less time to feel sad.
  10. CUT OUT BAD HABITS PERMANENTLY – Have the strength and mental fortitude to realize that if something is bad for you, you can and will eliminate it from your life.  Not getting enough sleep?  Make a plan to go to bed earlier.  Feeling winded from drinking or smoking too much?  Try to reduce or eliminate unhealthy habits.  Have that one friend, family member, or ex-boyfriend who keeps on coming back into your life, only to upset you?  Reduce the time you spend with them or cut them off, if needed.  Often we say to ourselves “I wish I would have known or done this sooner.”  We can’t go back in time.  All we can do is start today, and never look back.

 

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