One of the ultimate goals in life for most of us is happiness. This applies to all aspects of our lives and important to one’s career, which goes hand-in-hand with success. Indeed, while the meaning of happiness is different for each person, the pursuit of something fulfilling and inspiring remains constant. What’s more, happiness is something that transcends human limitations such as social standing or material possessions. Indeed, true happiness is something that is uninterrupted and found within one’s self.
However, not everyone knows the art of happiness. Everybody wants to open that door and head down that path, but not everybody has the key. To help you in your journey, below are some things that can help you materialize that happiness you’ve been seeking.
Find Your Purpose
Your purpose is the answer to that big “why?” lurking in the back of your mind. It combines your whole self with what you do, which makes it all the more powerful. Your purpose can inspire you and others, and it can also give meaning to your life. Moreover, it makes your core values more visible and even tangible so that you feel even more committed. Once you find your purpose, it becomes easier for you to do and uphold what you believe in.
Get in Touch with Your Spirituality
One thing that could make it easier to find life’s meaning is through spirituality. Spirituality, whether religious or non-religious, can provide a sense of vitality and connectedness. When you get in touch with your spirituality, you’ll find that everything you do has a more positive impact on the lives of others. What’s more, spiritual inspiration can help you appreciate life’s greater meaning. When your life has meaning and purpose, it’s much easier to feel happy and content.
Be Grateful
You cannot be happy and successful if you are not grateful. Indeed, until you’re grateful for what you already have in life, you can’t be truly happy. It might be difficult, especially if all you see are your problems. Still, these problems were given to you for a reason. Remember that you can overcome them and, more importantly, they can turn you into someone better. Don’t be blinded by or envious of other people’s happiness and successes. You don’t know the hardships that they had to go through before reaching that point.
To see just how much, you have to be thankful for, take a pen and piece of paper and write them down. They can be abstract things such as being able to read and write or more concrete things such as finally renovating your room. Don’t strive for success first. Instead, focus on gratefulness. Then, happiness will follow more naturally.
Welcome Change
Carl Jung once said that “We cannot change anything until we accept it.” Learn how to welcome change in your life and you’ll be happier. At the same time, remember that you should also learn how to accept those things that you can’t change. There are a lot of things that are out of your control and that’s perfectly normal. Indeed, there are plenty of times when it’s better to learn to accept certain things as they are. Remember the Serenity Prayer: “… grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.”
Be Kind
Being kind at all times can be difficult, but it’s one of the keys to happiness and success. It involves treating everyone with dignity, respect, and empathy, as well as extending compassion and practising gratefulness. If you’re in a leadership position, trust your people, and learn how to manage conflicts constructively. More importantly, learn how to listen and trust in the goodness of people. When you’re kind and grateful, success will come more naturally.
Focus on Your Well-Being
You can’t give what you don’t have. Thus, you need to focus on yourself first and your well-being before giving of yourself. Make healthy changes to your lifestyle. Eat healthy, exercise, and get enough sleep. Take vacations to rejuvenate yourself and don’t forget to indulge and treat yourself from time to time. Remember that living a healthy life is not about depriving yourself, but rather knowing how much is too much.
You should also pay careful attention to your mental and emotional well-being. Surround yourself with positive people rather than those “toxic” people who do nothing but pull you down. You should also try to relax your mind through meditation or perhaps yoga; the bottom line is to find something that will clear your thoughts and help you focus. Finally, don’t pressure yourself into being productive every single day. There will be times when you will feel a little “off” and that’s fine. Indeed, it will be better for your mind, body, and soul if you accept that you can’t simply be 100 percent all the time.
When it all boils down to it, the art of happiness is not at all that complicated. Start with yourself and work your way outward. Remember that happiness multiplies when you share it, so strive to be happy so that others around you may be happy as well.
