Where is happiness? You know, that fleeting moment that you only realize once it’s gone? In the midst of your daily concerns, you easily forget to be happy. You lose sight of all those fleeting moments of pleasure, like that end of the day when you walk home from school and your little one tells you about his day. In a few hours or decades, you will remember it with nostalgia. Then, you will regret not having taken more advantage of this little joy of sharing a moment together, rather than rushing home to be able to put the children to bed quickly in order to breathe.
Some people, however, seem to have found the key to happiness. They have developed behaviors that allow them to cultivate a state of well-being on a daily basis. The good news is that you will be able to discover and experience the 7 habits of happy people. And maybe it could even transform your life, who knows?
1 — Live your life and not that of others
Cultivating happiness is not as complicated as you think, it is a “conditioning” to develop. You must learn to focus on what really matters to you. To do this, you must understand an essential point: the judgment of others is only THEIR way of seeing life. What they think of you must remain their problem, not yours. Their vision of things and their opinion are theirs. External expectations must not influence you. It is YOUR life. These are YOUR choices. Your decisions belong to you. They are based on your values and your desires. Happy people have understood this fundamental reality.
“No person can be truly happy if he does not feel that he chooses the course of his life.”
Meik Wiking
Surround yourself with positive people who encourage and support you. By creating a caring environment around you, you protect yourself from toxic relationships that drain you. Cultivate enriching contacts that allow you to stay true to yourself. This constructive energy nourishes your happiness on a daily basis.
2 — Enjoy the present with optimism
Another habit of happy people is to enjoy the present moment. Instead of dwelling on history or worrying about the future, they focus on the here and now. To put it simply, savor the moment T.
Be aware that you have no impact on your past (which is over) or your future (which has not yet happened). This can be a source of anxiety and stress, because you have no power over it. The only moment over which you have any influence is your present: here and now, right now. You can tame this “skill” by practicing mindfulness.
It may be a new habit that is a bit difficult for you to acquire, but it will bring you a lot. You will gradually learn to approach life in a more positive way and each experience offers you a valuable lesson. This approach helps you to overcome challenges with more resilience. Thus, self-awareness allows you to develop a more optimistic attitude, choosing to see the bright side of things. Savoring each moment will give you little sparks of happiness.
3 — Stop comparing yourself
For happy people, only one comparison matters, it is the one you make between the woman you were yesterday and the woman you are today. Each has their own values, personal convictions, etc. Your ambitions are probably not the same as those of your neighbor. You do not have the same experiences. Your goals are different.
The typical example that probably drains you is the Instagram accounts you subscribe to. Some inspire you, others may arouse feelings of inadequacy or lack in you. When it becomes too energy-consuming, when you feel uncomfortable watching certain content, choose to unsubscribe to avoid getting your morale down. Social networks should be taken with a grain of salt. In any case, maintain a critical mind about the people you follow.
Stay authentic. Take inspiration from others, but do not live through them. Rather than constantly seeking external validation, focus on your own journey and accept your imperfections. They make you the person you are. That’s where you’ll find YOUR happiness.
4 — Identify the little joys of everyday life
Gratitude is essential for happy people. This habit is recognized by psychology experts for its impact on well-being. It can contribute to your happiness, if you take the trouble to practice it regularly.
Take the time to appreciate the little things in everyday life. Whether it’s a smile, a good book or a moment of calm, no matter what form it takes; know that it allows you to cultivate an optimistic vision of life. By expressing your gratitude for what it offers you, you strengthen your well-being and personal development.
This habit will help you refocus on the positive aspects of your daily routine. Practice it regularly, with a notebook, a box, an application, etc. Not only does it promote better mental health, it also creates a virtuous circle. In fact, it allows you to attract even more good things. In short, gratitude changes your outlook on the world and reminds you that happiness is often found in the little things.
5 — Laugh as often as possible
Laughter is an act of joy that sends positive signals to your brain. Happy people know how to take advantage of it. Allow yourself to smile. Let go. It is good for your health, but it is also contagious. By spreading joy around them, fulfilled people create a virtuous circle that spreads a certain well-being and encourages others to do the same.
“Happiness is the only thing that multiplies when you share it.”
Albert Schweitzer
Take the time to celebrate good times and victories, whether big or small. This strengthens your self-esteem. Celebrate even the simple fact that it is the start of the weekend, for example. It puts you in a good mood and allows you to share your joy with those around you. So, cultivate laughter and celebration, they spread happiness in your life and that of others.
6 — Take time for yourself
Taking care of yourself is an important gesture for happy people. Adopting this habit will give you a feeling of fullness and connection that is essential to your personal development. For example, you can give yourself time to:
- recharge your batteries;
- practice leisure activities that you enjoy;
- engage in physical exercise or sport regularly;
- relax and do nothing;
- etc.
By taking a moment for yourself, you release endorphins and improve your mood. Set up a routine to take care of your well-being. This habit will help you feel rested and better about yourself. You will then be able to be more considerate towards those around you. Generosity and altruism are sources of deep happiness.
7— Discuss with your emotions
Finally, the 7th habit of happy people is to develop their ability to listen to themselves and discuss with their emotions. You must consider your feelings not as a burden, but rather as your inner compass. Use them to guide you towards your personal development, rather than ignoring or repressing them. Welcome them with kindness. Try to understand the message they want to convey to you.
For example, in Human Design, if you are an emotional profile, you rely on your feelings to make a decision. You risk no longer being aligned with your deep values and your well-being if you do not listen to them.
To familiarize yourself with this habit, explore your emotional profile through the emotions quiz. Thanks to this personal development tool, you have a better understanding of yourself, but also an associated practical sheet. The latter will offer you strategies to support your feelings.
One small step closer to happiness
These 7 habits of happy people will allow you to cultivate your daily well-being. Through these reflexes, you become aware that this fleeting emotional state is maintained day after day. At this stage, you are realizing that you are responsible for your own pleasure.
Happiness is often the result of daily choices and positive attitudes towards life. Remember the importance of:
- living each moment fully;
- stopping comparing yourself or waiting for external validation: you are the mistress of your existence;
- recognizing the little joys that mark your path;
- laughing often;
- taking care of yourself all the time;
- listening to your emotions.
By integrating these reflexes into your day, you develop a better connection to yourself, but also to others. You thus promote an environment conducive to your personal development.
“Happiness is stupid, because it’s often afterwards that we know it was there.”
Christophe Maé
What do you think? Do you have other habits to share? I love your feedback, it’s always very enriching, so really don’t hesitate. See you soon for the next episode, in the meantime, don’t forget to cultivate your happiness to become happy people.
