It’s easy to drift off into daydreams about adventures and desires… and smile. Right? But, things can get a bit tricky when we look at our present circumstances, that might not always be so joyful, and realize that the present moment is the one only that really counts.
Making an effort to experience joy in the present without attachment to expectations or future outcomes makes logical sense. However, it’s easier said than done. For most people, finding happiness on a daily basis is challenging.
Here are 8 tips to help you find happiness that can lead to improved health and well-being:
1. Define Your Joy
It’s important to invest time in better understanding our attitudes and behaviors. This is how we learn about ourselves, our place in the world, and how external circumstances impact our own happiness and responses to them.
By taking the time to know ourselves, we become more emotionally intelligent and prepared for those unexpected times when life throws a curveball. This allows us to be better equipped and flexible to respond and adjust to the realities of any situation and bounceback.
By understanding the fundamentals of our own happiness, both inner and outer-referenced, we can use our resources for joy as a defense against the junk that may come our way.
2. Finding Happiness During Tough Times
No one ever promised us a perfectly happy life. However, the pursuit of happiness is what drives many of us.
Here’s an interesting paradox—we can be going through a very challenging period or negative life event and still experience moments of happiness. They are not mutually exclusive.
Consider doing things that positively impact well-being like getting a little exercise, being out in the sunshine for a few minutes, or talking with a friend. These are small acts that boost health and happiness.
Happiness resides in the nooks and crannies of life. And sometimes, that means we can find happiness as a silver lining in the shadow of darkness.
Our thoughts, intentions, attitudes, and actions govern our realities. When swimming in difficult waters, navigate by identifying at least three good things about each day.
3. Control What You Can and Gracefully Navigate the Rest
As humans we like to know what to expect and to feel as though we are in control of our destinies. However, the truth is that we can only control our own thoughts and behaviors.
The sooner we recognize what is within our realm of impact, the easier life becomes. This does not mean we don’t react or become stressed when bad things happen. By understanding our power to affect and navigate life, we can commit to doing our best and then surrendering the rest.
When we obsess about life’s “what ifs” we waste a lot of precious time being distracted from any opportunities for joy that may come along the way.
Why spend time worrying today about tomorrow’s unknowns, which are likely exaggerated in our minds?
Worry and joy are like oil and water—they just don’t mix.
4. Re-Examine the Pursuit of Happiness
Happiness is not a destination. Sustainable happiness cannot be bought, sold, or traded. Sure, the acquisition of things definitely provides a temporary happiness boost. But after we get that thing that we think will make us happy, we are already seeking the next thing.
We are pleasure-seekers by nature but assigning money and shopping as the happiness cureall is an unsustainable dead-end.
The more stuff we have, the more responsibilities come with those items. More is not always more or the best. Sometimes, less is actually more. When it comes to our well-being, research has shown that having positive experiences and making good memories can fortify our happiness factor for the long-term.
Happiness is not the goal but becomes a by-product of any journey. By making life a positive process, the reward is a happier life experience. Again, this does not minimize that life’s hardships are not happy.
5. Choose People, Places, and Activities Wisely
In order to be a happier person, we must choose to surround ourselves with relationships, work, and hobbies that support positive growth and well-being.
The world is our playground, regardless of physical abilities. By actively seeking out people and experiences that foster joy, we elevate ourselves while providing a positive impact to our communities.
This means rolling up our sleeves and doing the work to improve our outlook and output.
6. Your Joy Is Yours to Seek
If you haven’t taken a moment to look at yourself in the mirror recently, go do so right now. What do you see? Really see? You’re looking at the person responsible for giving your life the joy you desire. This isn’t the type of thing that can be outsourced or delegated to anyone else.
Ultimately, we are responsible for our health, happiness, and well-being. We are the caretakers of our lives.
7. We’re All Continuous Works in Progress
The happiest people in the world are emotionally and socially intelligent. They have an understanding of the promise of life’s ups and downs. Happy people know that nothing is permanent and the only guarantee is change. They have learned to roll with life on life’s terms without surrendering their responsibility to do their best regardless of external circumstance.
People who report a high level of life satisfaction are curious, resilient, and never tire of learning. Their goals include progressive plans and de-emphasize unattainable perfection.
Happy people manage their expectations, limit their judgments, and rely on their internal resources to help them manage when things get challenging.
8. Lead with Love, Respect, and Positivity
Happiness is an inside job. Ultimately, happiness begins within each and every one of us.
We are the CEOs of our lives and the best leaders model healthy behaviors and actions that set a code of conduct.
When we lead with loving words and actions we actively contribute to making the world a kinder, more joyful place. When we respect ourselves and treat others as we wish to be treated we demonstrate positive regard in our communities. When we exhibit positive thoughts and actions we make the world a happier place for the greater good.
The key to finding happiness resides in how we choose to show up for life.
Imagine the proverbial glass of water that’s filled 50%. Some people would call it half full, and others would say it’s half empty. Both are correct depending on their perspective.
By adjusting our attitude about the way we view our lives, we might just improve our health, happiness, and well-being.
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Lisa Cypers Kamen is a lifestyle management consultant who explores the art and science of happiness in her work as a speaker, author, and happiness expert. Through her globally syndicated positive psychology podcast, books, media appearances, and documentary film, Kamen has impacted millions of people around the world.
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