In this fast paced world of rising competition and instant gratification, we often lose sight of the small joys that life has to offer. We are at times so caught up in the process of making first impressions and earning a good reputation that we forget to stop and search for meaning, we forget to search for happiness.
What do you do when you feel that you have nothing, when you seemingly have all you have ever wanted? Where do you go to find happiness? Sometimes the answers to these questions lie within. It lies in your ability to be proactive enough to take your life by the horns and make it better by doing things that hold meaning for you. Passion, persistence and performance are the three keywords every individual should imbibe in their spirits if they want to lead a happier, fulfilled life.
However, it should be noted that there is no full-proof recipe to ensure a happier life. There are small steps that you can take or small self-improving changes you can make to becoming more fulfilled as a person. Therefore, here are some tips or steps one can follow to lead a happier life:
Take your passion and make it happen
In order for you to be happier in life you will need to follow your passions. Do not let money dictate you happiness because it could be short-lived. Always go with what you feel you are best at as opposed to what will earn you more money. If you truly want to be happier in life, you will need to follow your passions, it will not disappoint.
Spread a smile
If you come across someone who isn’t having a particularly good day, send a smile their way. This will help lighten their spirits and will help you do your good deed for the day. These small and seemingly insignificant things make a major difference in helping us realize what is truly important. Always try to be someone everyone comes to when they need cheering. This positive trait will take you far in life and will keep you content as well.
Be positive
Circumstances can cause you to get a little down on yourself. Take heart and do not let the negativity drag your spirit down. Instead, try and adopt a positive outlook on life. You do not need to waste your energy and precious time on something that has already happened. Do not let one isolated episode dictate how you feel about yourself. All you need to do is look on the brighter side by remembering all the good that has happened to you. The list of good memories will help negate that one negative one. Fight the good fight and live a happier life.
Pay it forward
In this day and age, our pursuit for material things tends to mar our ability to do good for others. If someone has done something good for you, return the favour by doing something good for them, or for someone else who might be in need of it. We should give freely of our resources, time and energy to make a difference to the world we are living in. Charity does begin at home, but it does not end there. Therefore, make it a point to do something for someone. It will give your life better purpose and meaning, taking away from trivial pursuits in life.
Appreciate the relationships you have
One of the key elements of being happier in life is to surround yourself with people who are delighted by your success and will do anything in their power to see a smile on your face. Therefore, it is imperative to cherish the relationships you have, old and new. Spend as much time as you can with family and (genuine) friends. Devote more time to maintaining these relationships as opposed to neglecting them. Live and enjoy each moment spent with loved ones, it makes life that much more rich and meaningful.
Stay fit and healthy
In the midst of all the achievements and laurels, do not forget to live a well-balanced and healthy life. Choosing a disciplined lifestyle will help you feel more vibrant and energetic; thereby helping you tackle the tasks at hand with a clearer mind and a renewed vigour. Try and visit your local gym for at least an hour every day. Try and eat healthy food but do not forget to treat yourself to some good food once in a while. Once you start feeling good about the way you feel, it reflects in all aspects of your life. Therefore, take charge of your life and become a happier, wholesome human being.
Surround yourself with positivity
At times, you might find yourself being surrounded by people who bring them a bad vibe and a negative energy that may just rub off on you. Therefore, it becomes imperative for you to surround yourself with people who bring out the best in you and who make you feel light and happy. Try and have small reunions with friends and family at least once or twice a month, it will help lift your spirits. Being around familiar and positive people will bring vibrancy into your life and will keep you happier.
Express yourself
Sometimes all you need to do to feel good about yourself it to express what you truly feel about something or someone. Instead of stifling your true feelings and keeping them to yourself, vent it out and let people know what you actually think. Sometimes when you finally release all that you store inside, a sense of calm and lightness comes on you, making you happier and more vibrant. So if you feel like appreciating someone, do it. If someone annoys you, tell them how you feel. By giving vent to your feelings, you are only doing yourself a big favour.
Do not make comparisons
If you want to be happier in life, you have to stop evaluating yourself based on what other people think of you or rate yourself by comparing yourself to others who might be more successful than you. In doing so, you set yourself up for immediate depression. Embrace your shortcomings and celebrate your strengths because there is no one else in the world like you. Once you accept yourself for who you are and discontinue worrying about other people and their perceptions, you will be well on your way to leading a happier life.
In short, keep yourself grounded in where you come from, always maintain a positive attitude and rid yourself of negativity that may surround you. A happier life begins with YOU.
Visual Courtesy: http://www.flickr.com/photos/chrishuggins
