Everyone wants to know the secret to happiness.
That’s why self-help books promising to unlock the key to being happy are bestsellers year after year.
A “magic” formula. A complicated 10-step process. We’ve been led to believe that happiness is always just out of reach, waiting for us to complete a series of complex steps to attain it.
In reality, happiness isn’t nearly as elusive as you might think.
While I don’t have a magic formula to give you, I can tell you this: genuinely happy people tend to have some pretty awesome habits.
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#1. They are “possibilists”
In his bestseller book, Factfulness, physician and academic Hans Rosling states:
“People often call me an optimist, because I show them the enormous progress they didn’t know about. That makes me angry. I’m not an optimist. That makes me sound naive. I’m a very serious “possibilist”.
Being a possibilist means you view the world through the lens of possibility rather than limitation, and that attitude can lead to a happier life.
Possibilists neither hope nor fear without reason. They constantly resist both the overdramatic and over-positive worldview. When faced with a challenge, a possibilist won’t see it as a roadblock, but rather as an opportunity to grow and learn.
The takeaway for you:
Embrace the mindset of a possibilist by viewing the world through the lens of possibility. Instead of being overly optimistic or pessimistic, adopt a balanced approach that acknowledges challenges as opportunities for growth and learning.
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#2. They talk less (but say more)
Excessive and superficial chatter is draining and time-consuming. It takes away from fulfilling interactions — which are the #1 contributor to genuine happiness.
Genuinely happy people engage in less idle talk and instead focus on meaningful conversations. They talk less but say more. They understand that genuine happiness stems from the connections they forge with others, and that can only be achieved through conversations that go beyond the surface.
By being selective with their words and engaging in purposeful discussions, they cultivate deeper connections and derive greater satisfaction from their interactions.
The takeaway for you:
Prioritize meaningful conversations over idle chatter to cultivate deeper connections and experience genuine happiness. Recognize that excessive and superficial talk can drain your energy and detract from the quality of your interactions. Seek out those thought-provoking discussions that leave you feeling inspired, uplifted, and connected on a profound level.
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#3. They see the forest for the trees
Most of your current problems won’t matter next year. Maybe not even next month.
Unprecedented expenses. A recent awful date. A mistake you made at work. These things might seem like a big deal to you now, but they won’t matter in the long term.
Thinking about the bigger picture will help you realize that. This ability to zoom out and see the forest for the trees is common among people who radiate joy; it enables them to maintain a sense of balance and perspective, leading to a happier and more fulfilling life.
The takeaway for you:
Don’t sweat the small stuff, because most of your current problems won’t even be a blip on the radar of your future happiness.
When faced with seemingly significant challenges or setbacks, remember to take a step back and zoom out to see the bigger picture.
By embracing the forest view instead of getting lost among the trees, you’ll gain a valuable sense of balance and perspective and prioritize what truly matters.
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#4. They have mastered the art of selective ignorance
Ignoring nonsense is a vital habit of genuinely happy individuals.
They understand that not everything deserves their attention or emotional investment. Instead of getting caught up in irrelevant gossip, pointless arguments, and superficial concerns, they have mastered the art of selective ignorance, choosing to focus on what truly adds value to their lives.
By consciously filtering out the noise and focusing on what truly matters, they create a space for positivity, growth, and genuine happiness to flourish.
The takeaway for you:
A vital aspect of finding genuine happiness lies in the ability to ignore the noise and focus on what truly matters.
Unnecessary distractions, trivial matters, and unimportant information can divert your attention and consume your mental and emotional energy.
Take a mindful step back, evaluate where you are directing your energy, and distinguish between fleeting distractions and meaningful pursuits.
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#5. They sprinkle kindness like confetti
Helping others has a boomerang effect — when you throw kindness out into the world, it ricochets right back, filling your own heart with warmth and contentment.
When you selflessly assist others, it’s like giving yourself a happiness upgrade. Your brain releases a surge of positive chemicals, like serotonin and oxytocin, creating a delightful cocktail of feel-good vibes.
People who have cracked the code of genuine happiness understand that by helping others, they not only make a positive impact on the lives of those they assist, but they also experience a profound sense of fulfillment and joy themselves.
The takeaway for you:
By selflessly assisting others, you’re not only making a positive difference in their lives but also treating yourself to a happiness upgrade by activating a boomerang effect.
Be kinder.
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#6. They are lifelong students
Growth and progress are essential ingredients for a fulfilling life because contribute to your personal development, well-being, and overall sense of purpose.
Expanding your knowledge, developing new skills, gaining fresh perspectives — this feeling of continuous improvement brings a deep sense of satisfaction and fulfillment.
Embracing the mindset of a lifelong student is a common practice found among those who are genuinely happy. Whether it’s reading books, listening to podcasts, attending workshops, or engaging in meaningful conversations, happy individuals actively seek out opportunities to learn and broaden their horizons.
They recognize that learning is not confined to formal education but is a continuous journey that enriches their understanding of the world and themselves.
The takeaway for you:
The pursuit of growth and progress is a pathway to a more enriching and joyful life, as happiness becomes a natural byproduct of your continuous evolution.
Prioritize personal development by continuously seeking knowledge, whether through reading, listening, watching courses, or engaging in meaningful conversations.
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This post was previously published on medium.com.
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