How To Be Happy – 8 Things You Can Do
Interested in knowing how to be happy?
Although happiness is not automatic, here are 8 things you can do that will help you experience more happiness.
1. Stop worrying about what other people think. If you obsess about what other people think, you'll struggle to be happy because other people will control how you feel. One of the first rules for how to be happy is to stop seeking everyone’s approval.
2. Invest in personal development. Investment can be defined as “the purchase of goods that are not consumed today but are used in the future to create wealth.” Investing in your personal development means you are creating future wealth in WHO YOU ARE. Are you exercising? That's an investment in your health. Are you reading books, listening to uplifting podcasts, or joining mastermind communities? How about reading the Bible, praying, and attending church? These are investments in your personal and professional development that pay compound interest in a more meaningful life.
3. Be consistent. Do you walk your talk? If not, just know that it's impossible to be a happy fake.
4. Find work that fits you. Most people spend more time at work than anywhere else. If you don't enjoy your work, it's hard to be happy.
5. See the glass half full. True joy is not based on circumstances. It's a choice. Therefore, choose to see the positive in both good and tough circumstances. Choose to smile, not because everything is perfect, but because you choose to see the good in everything.
6. Serve and give. Want to be happy almost instantly? Serve and give with no strings attached. It's crazy how serving others blesses you more than those who receive your gift of service.
7. Forgive. This one is tough. But holding onto a grudge doesn't hurt the other person; it poisons you! Forgiveness takes personal strength and this kind of strength is a sign of happiness.
8. Focus on the now. If you're like me, you focus on the future. Goals. Plans. Accomplishments. But beware of focusing too much on the future. If you blink, you might end up missing your life. Instead, learn to slow down and appreciate moments. Plan for the future, but live in the now.
BONUS: Although this post is about happiness, there is something I cherish more than happiness and that's joy.
Wondering what's the difference between happiness and joy?
Honestly, since both words are often used interchangeably, it can be hard to explain the difference. Yet they are different.
Happiness is more temporal… it comes and goes. It also tends to be based on external circumstances. Even though I challenged you above to see the glass as “half full,” it's hard to feel happy when facing challenges like a job loss, a serious illness, or a wayward child.
Joy, on the other hand, is internal. It's not based on external circumstances. It's not even based on who I am or my talents. Instead, it's based on who I trust. I trust in God and according to Scripture, He is good, trustworthy, and in control. Romans 8:38 states that “God causes all things to work together for good to those who love Him are called according to His purposes.” This truth and many others like it in the Bible bring a tremendous amount of joy because I know I can trust God no matter the circumstances.
Photography Copyright: 123 RF Photos // Mimagephotography
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