Are you happy? Your answer is probably based on your economic situation, relationship status, or other outside forces. But do you know how to be happy? You probably notice when you are unhappy, but don’t make an effort on being happy. If you’re like me, then you’ve relied on external events or actions to make you happy, not knowing there are key success factors for happiness. Are there also happiness habits that we can learn, so we’re not too dependent on others or external factors to make us happy?
If you want to learn “how to” be happy, then check out The How of Happiness – A New Approach to Getting the Life You Want by Sonja Lyubomirsky. You’ll learn that your happiness is not conditioned by life’s external circumstances. Most happy people share the same “happiness habits” that requires hard work and dedicated effort. Happiness requires vigilance on a daily basis. More importantly, it requires us to be living in the moment. Shocking!
Here are the 12 activities of happiness that Lyubomirsky recommends for a happier lifestyle.
- Be grateful
- Stay optimistic
- Don’t overthink
- Be kind
- Become social
- Learn to cope
- Forgive others
- Seize the moment
- Be joyful
- Become goal-oriented
- Become spiritual
- Stay physically and mentally fit
After you implement the 12 activities, don’t forget to also execute on the five “hows” of happiness.
- Stay positive
- Pay attention to timing and variety of experience
- Build your support system
- Commit to your goals
- Practice your happiness activities habitually
Sounds simple! If you need a theme song, play Altered Images song “I Could Be Happy” from 1981.
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A great way to stay happy is- use the power of small. Appreciate the little things you have right now. Keep a daily list of five positives/ accomplishments. It’s wonderful to have a running list to look back on when you’re having a down day.
I also keep a list of five positives per day. I need to add “don’t overthink” and stay fit. I don’t think Wii Tennis counts!