10 Things That Happy People Do Differently

Ever wonder why some people are so happy? Have you ever met someone who no matter what happens in their life they never seem to be happy? There are people who choose to be happy and some who choose to be unhappy. Contrary to some beliefs, happiness doesn’t come from material things, money, fame and other people can’t give happiness to you or make you happy… only you can choose to be happy.

The question is: how do they do that?

It’s quite simple. Happy people have good personal habits that are designed to enhance their lives. They think and behave positively, surround themselves with positive people for mutual enrichment and well being.

1. Happy people don’t hold grudges.

   • It’s better to forgive and forget than to allow negativity into your thinking. Negative thinking leads to anxiety, depression and stress. Why allow someone else to have power over your mood and how you feel. You alone have control over how you feel.

2. Happy people see problems as opportunities.

   • Give a happy person a problem and they will see that as an opportunity to make a situation positive. They will find a way to turn that problem into something with a positive outcome. Happy people see problems as opportunities to be better, do better and become better.

3. Happy people are thankful for what they already have.

   • You might have heard the saying “The happiest people don’t have the best of everything; they just make the best of everything they have.” Happy people live in the now. They are thankful for their friends, relationships and for what they have rather than what they don’t have.

4. Happy people choose their friends wisely.

   • Happy people have little tolerance for negative people, people who gossip and people for whom nothing seems to make them happy. Misery loves company, that’s why it’s important to surround yourself with optimistic people who will encourage you to achieve your goals. The more positive energy you have around you the better you will feel about yourself and the happier you will be.

5. Happy people don’t seek the approval of others.

   • Happy people don’t care what other people think of them. They don’t need to approval of others. They follow their own heart and don’t allow naysayers to influence them. They realize it’s impossible to please everyone - so better to determine your own destiny.

6. Happy people eat well and exercise often.

   • Junk food and being sedentary makes you feel sluggish. It’s difficult to stay focused and remain positive when you have no energy. Healthy eating and regular exercise gives you energy and you will feel better about yourself physically and mentally. A healthy body and mind produces the right hormones which will dictate your mood, energy level and mental focus.

7. Happy people set clear personal boundaries.

   • Teaching those around you how to treat you is about communicating what your expectations are from your friendships and other relationships. When you allow others to treat you badly you encourage that behaviour. Some relationships devolve into being toxic. It’s impossible to be happy in this environment. Better to set the boundaries early on because some people will just drift away on their own once they learn you won’t allow bad behaviour.

8. Happy people treat others with kindness and respect.

   • It’s been scientifically proven that being kind makes you happier. Every time you perform a selfless act your brain produces serotonin, a hormone that eases tension and lifts your spirits. Additionally, when you treat people with love, dignity and respect this allows you to build stronger relationships. Respecting the opinions of others isn’t the same as allowing others’ opinions to dictate what you do. Taking time to listen to others keeps your mind open to the wisdom and outlooks of others and can give you a different perspective.

9. Dream Big

   • People who get into the habit of dreaming big are more likely to accomplish their goals than those who don’t. Big dreamers don’t sweat the small stuff or when things don’t go their way they don’t make excuses or blame others. They refocus their thinking and efforts and keep going because they have a big dream to achieve. If you dare to dream big your mind will put itself in a focused and positive state. You’ll be unstoppable.

10. Happy people accept that some things can’t be changed

    • Once you accept the fact that life isn’t perfect, you’ll be more at peace with yourself. Instead of obsessing over how unfair life can be, focus on what you can control and change it for the better. Happy people don’t dwell on the past or worry about the future, they live in the present and make it the very best it can be.

Happy people are happy because they make themselves happy. They maintain a positive outlook on life and remain at peace with themselves and those around them.