The 10 Keys to Happiness

The 10 Keys to Happiness

Simple Ways to Be Happy and Enjoy
Your Life Regardless of Circumstances

Introduction

Happiness is the underlying foundation that influences the quality of life.
Have you ever seen someone who lives in a small house and has an older
car? They may not be rich in terms of material things, but they are beyond
rich in their happiness.
We all go through things in life that we wish we didn’t have to. This can
change how we feel and our outlook. Yet you have a choice to either go
through life miserable or to be happy. You are the only one in control of
that. There may be plenty of variables in life you can’t control, but your
happiness should never be in the hands of someone else.
One of the biggest barriers to true happiness is that we live in a society that
tends to encourage us to redeem ourselves with material goods. Then we
compare what we have to what others around us have. If they have more,
then we may feel that we are less than them. This can really influence the
level of happiness that is experienced.
Being too busy can also cause happiness to be pushed to the back burner.
If you are always working and running errands than you have no time for
yourself and to enjoy life. Slow down and focus on what really matters to
you. There is no reason to work non-stop or to take care of everything on
your own.

Communication is important for true happiness to occur. If you don’t share
with others what you want or what you won’t tolerate, they aren’t going to
know. Never apologize for laying some ground rules in place for
relationships so that you can be happy.
Before you can be truly happy, you have to think about what happiness
means to you. What it means for you can be very different than what it
means for the next person. Once you have that identified, you can work on
improving time management, communication, and change that will allow
you to really achieve it. Perceptions can hold you back from being happy so
make sure you aren’t your own worst enemy.
You may be saying that you can’t do much about the miserable people
around you. While that is true to a point, you can’t let their negativity bring
you down to their level either. You need to be happy with the person you
see in the mirror and that you think you are.
It isn’t possible to be happy all the time, but you can be most of the time.
You can also use your happiness to help you get through the most difficult
times in your life. As you read through the martials here, you may identify
some pitfalls that have been holding you back.
You can also become empowered with ideas and concepts that you can
implement into your daily routine. By doing so, they will soon become a
habit and something that you automatically take part in every single day.

Being in the driver’s seat when it comes to your happiness is important.
You can’t just kick back and hope it is going to happen. The days turn into
weeks, months, and years! Do you want to spend them feeling like you do
now or do you want to spend them living life to the fullest?
Your overall outlook on life is a big factor when it comes to your happiness.
You don’t have to own the best car or the biggest house on the block. You
don’t have to be the CEO of a company. Defining your life based on
material goods can hinder true happiness.
The quality of your relationships with family, friends, co-workers, and in
general also influence how happy you are. It is time to take a very good
look at those relationships and see how reflective they are. Your
relationships should help you to feel safe and satisfied. If you feel anxious,
sad, or angry often with them, then you need to change them.
Studies show that people who are happy tend to do better in all areas of
their life. They get sick less often. They tend to have fewer issues with
children or getting divorce. They also tend to do better at work because
their boss notices they seem content to be there.
You can make changes in your life that promote happiness for you now. It
doesn’t matter where you live, how much money you make, or how old you
happen to be. It is never too late to feel happy and to really enjoy life.
These 10 keys to happiness will help you to be on the path to making that
dream become a reality!

Positive Thinking

Negative thoughts can make us perceive problems that don’t really exist
around us. Negativity can cause us to worry and remove our happiness.
The problem though is that many people don’t realize just how negative
they have become. It may be such a habit, that they are oblivious to it.
Another part of that problem is that you may be around people that are
negative all the time. They can zap your energy if you aren’t careful. You
are going to need to make some changes around those types of people to
help you move forward and be happy. We will talk about that more in the
next chapter.
You may be saying that you can’t help who you are working with. Maybe
the lady at the desk right next to you does nothing but complain. It can
reduce you from a smiling, happy person in the morning to being grumpy
and wishing it was time to go home.
You can’t change other people and how they think, but you can reduce how
you let it impact you. When negativity is around, it seems to ruin the entire
surrounding atmosphere. You can let it continue to do so or you can make
it better and be happy in spite of what others say.

One of the easiest and most effective ways to get people to stop being so
negative is to ask them how they can change it. For example, if you are
listening to someone complain about another person, tell them politely that
they need to talk to that person about it if it is ever going to get better.
If someone is complaining they don’t understand a school assignment, tell
them they need to talk to the instructor about it. When there is a complaint
about something, ask what they can do to make it better. All of these
options are very simple on your end. Yet it will stop those negative people
in their tracks. They will stop being like that around you.
Optimistic
Pay close attention to how you react to things. If you feel that you are
negative with them, change it around. Focus on being optimistic so that you
can feel happy. You may be startled at first as you realize the number of
times negative thoughts come into your mind.
However, the goal is going to be to change them into something positive
every single time. You will realize over time you are experiencing negative
thoughts less frequently. You will also find that you get into the habit of
automatically being optimistic. In time, it will become a huge part of who
you are and your lookout for life.
Count your Blessings

When you start to get down, think about all of the blessing you have in your
life. Take a moment each morning to add up the little things that will bring
you joy that day. Maybe you will get to meet someone new for a date that
evening. Perhaps you are going to enjoy lunch with an old friend.
Before you go to bed at night, think about the small and big things that
occurred that made your day a good one. Did you get some free time to
read a book you enjoyed? Were you able to take the dog out for a walk and
some time to play at the park? These are the little things in life that really
do make us happy!
Be Grateful
If your way of thinking is about what you want and what you didn’t get, you
will always be disappointed. When your mindset is one that allows you to
be grateful then you can get through the hard times. You will also be happy
because you realize the contentment that comes from the simple things in
your life.
Be Kind
Smiling is one of the best ways to feel happier than you do right now. When
you smile, others will smile back at you. They are going to see you as
someone that they can approach. They will feel comfortable around. Being
kind isn’t hard, it is a choice.

Hold the door open for someone instead of rushing on to take care of your
business. Allow someone else to go first at a four way stop when no one is
sure who should go next.
Most importantly, be kind to yourself. Think about all of the positive ways
that you have done well at work, at home, and for others that day. Don’t
focus on the things that didn’t go your way or the to do list that never
seems to end.
Doors Open and Close
Life may not always go according to your plans. Perhaps you applied for a
job you really wanted and didn’t get hired. However, that means that
another door is going to open for you. Don’t close your eyes to this or you
may miss out on the best things that are soon to come along.
Always look for the good in every situation. No matter how dire it may
seem, there is always something to be happy about. When you look at
things from such a point of view, you will be mentally empowered. You will
know that regardless of what life tosses your direction, you are going to be
able to overcome it. When you look at life from such a prospective, you will
also appreciate the good things when they do happen in your life.
Envision
By closing your eyes, you can spend some time envisioning what it takes to
make you happy. Focusing on the outcome that will develop is a great way

to start your day of well. It can also be a wonderful way to drift off to sleep
at night. When you envision what you really want, you can help to make it
happen.
During these envisioning episodes, think about how you FEEL during them.
Are you happy? Why are you happy in them? That is what you should be
focusing on. It could be due to where you are or who you are with that
makes all the difference to you.
Don’t Fear Mistakes
Everyone makes mistakes, so don’t think you are the only one. If you don’t
take some risks now and then, you aren’t going to make mistakes. Yet you
aren’t going to achieve that level of happiness you want either. Put yourself
out there and you may get hurt, but you may also get the best possible
scenario.
If you don’t take the risk, you will be frozen right where you are. You will
also end up with regrets concerning “what if” and those are the kind that
can take away your happiness.
This doesn’t mean you act careless and then blow off the fact that a
mistake was made. Instead, it means you do your very best. It means you
learn from your mistakes and continue to hold your head up high. It also
means you have the self-worth of knowing you gave it your all.

Surround Yourself with Good People

If you spend time around happy people, you are going to be happy too.
There will be far less negativity in your life. There are plenty of things you
can do to ensure you have quality relationships. Too often, people try to
have as many friends as possible. They love the idea that people like them.
As the saying goes, it is better to have 4 quarters than 100 pennies. Simply
put, it is the quality of the company you keep that matters, not the volume
of it. Surround yourself with those that you love, that you trust, and that you
feel comfortable around. You should be able to talk to them and feel like
they support you.
Communication
One of the things that will help you with creating happier relationships is
better communication. Listen more than you talk and you will be surprised
at how you feel. We are all unique with different points of view. We aren’t
going to agree with those we love all the time, but we can be respectful of
those differences too.
Don’t make assumptions or allow misconceptions to hinder your
relationships. Be open and honest about who you are and what you want.

Tell the truth, even when it is difficult and you will be a happier person. You
won’t be filled with guilt or worry that the truth will one day come out.
Get to Know People
Don’t hesitate to get to know new people. You can do so through your
children’s activities, your hobbies, or just spending time walking around
your neighborhood. Be a part of what goes on in your community and you
will be able to meet people. If you notice someone at work who is positive
and seems like a good person, take the time to get to know them.
Make an Effort
Relationships need time to develop. Don’t be in a rush to go from just
meeting to something very in depth. Give the relationship time to grow and
to flourish. Don’t be a wallflower who waits for others to approach them.
Make an effort to smile and to be friendly.
People aren’t always going to remember what you say to them. With that in
mind, don’t spend too much time being anxious about what to say. What
people will remember is how you made them feel. If you make an effort to
show them that you are fun, positive, and happy, then they will be drawn to
you like a magnet.
Personal Contact is Important
While social media is fun, it has changed the way that people interact.
Being happy still involves some personal contact. While sending an email

or a text is simple and convenient, don’t rely on it all the time. Pick up the
phone and call someone so you can hear their voice.
Send someone a handwritten thank you note and it will really brighten up
their day. Schedule time to have lunch with a friend or to take a walk at the
park with someone so you can get caught up. You will be happier if you are
keeping that personal contact in your daily routine.
Ask for Help
There will be times when life isn’t what we had planned. When you find
yourself in a difficult situation, ask for help. You can rely on friends and
family to get you through those rough patches. They may have solutions
that you didn’t think about. They can also give you encouragement along
the way to help you stay positive.
If you think you have to carry the weight of the world on your shoulders,
you don’t. Nothing will cause you to feel negative, overworked, and like
there is no hope as being on your own and isolated during tough times will.
No one can walk that path for you, but they can be there to walk right along
with you.
Give Help
Be a good friend and family member too. Don’t just contact others when
you need help. Be willing to reciprocate by offering your help when they ask
for it. Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to offer your help
or do something positive for them without even being asked.

Cut Out Negative People
One of the most difficult parts of being happy by surrounding yourself with
good people is letting go. Just because someone has been in your life for a
long time doesn’t mean they deserve to be there. If you are involved in
intimate relationships, you have friends or family, or you just feel that
someone is taking advantage then you need to severe those ties.
It can be very difficult to do, but it is going to be a step towards happiness
that you will be very proud you have taken. With family, it can be hard to
completely cut them out. You can start to distance yourself though and set
some ground rules. The same is true of co-workers that you don’t feel you
have a quality relationship with.
Counseling
If you have a hard time creating quality relationships, you may need to seek
some professional help. Through counseling, you can identify barriers that
could be preventing you from true happiness in relationships. Perhaps
there are trust issues or other factors that you aren’t fully aware of.

Learn to Say No

There has to be balance in your life for you to be happy. We all have the
same amount of time in a day for work and for other activities. If your
schedule is too fully, aren’t going to be happy. Yet you may feel like you
have to say yes to everything that comes your direction.
Learning to say no is going to make you much happier! It can take some
practice, but the trick is to make sure you don’t let guilt get to you. This
doesn’t mean you never pitch in and help with anything. However, it means
that you carve out time for rest, for fun, and for your other commitments.
Take Part in Activities that Mean Something to You
When you are asked to take part in an event, think about how you will feel
about it. If the activity is something that is meaningful to you, then help with
it. For example, if you are asked to help with a fundraiser for the community
that could be dear to your heart.
When the activity is something you are interested in, you will be motivated
to continue with it. You will also get a great deal of personal satisfaction
from how you have contributed to that cause. Doing so is going to help you
feel very happy.

Daily Planner
One way to get your time back is to create a daily planner. Mark out
segments of time on that planner each day. Unless an emergency comes
along, don’t feel that time up with anything else. If you are asked to help
with something that you really don’t want to commit to due to a lack of time
or other reasons, speak up.
No Explanation Necessary
The most common reason why people don’t say no is that they don’t have
a good explanation. Those that are asking can be very good at getting
people to say yes. For example, they may make you feel guilty that you
aren’t going to take part in what they are asking.
Others will try to flatter you in order to get you to reply that you will do so.
For example, they may say that you are so creative and that is why they
would like you to be in charge of marketing for the fundraiser.
You don’t have to give an explanation when it comes to saying no. Say it
politely, thank them for asking you, and then stay firm with your no reply.
You don’t have to give any reason at all about why you can’t take part in
what they are asking.
People Pleaser Mentality

Part of the reason it is tough to say no is that we tend to have a people
pleaser mentality. We want people to like us, and we often assume saying
yes will encourage that. It may in some scenarios, but you have to draw a
line. If you are being pulled in all directions, you aren’t going to be happy.
You aren’t going to be able to dedicate enough time for rest, for work, and
for all of your commitments. Instead, you become resentful of what you
have committed to. You may complete it, but you aren’t going to be
enjoying it. Instead, you have a chip on your shoulder. When that project is
done, you feel relief rather than personal satisfaction.
Be Clear
Don’t be evasive about why you are saying no. Don’t give them any idea
that you are thinking about it or that you may cave in. Simply say that you
are already taking on too much and you have make a promise to yourself
not to take on anything new right now.
They should have enough respect for you to take that as a final no. If
someone tries to continue to persist, they should fall into that category of
people you need to think about cutting out of your life. They can zap your
energy and prevent you from being as happy as you could be.

Make Time for You

Free up time in your daily life just for you. It can be time for you to enjoy
your coffee on the porch or to read a couple chapters in a book. Never feel
guilty for making time just for you. There may be many roles you play
including spouse, parent, and employee.
However, that doesn’t mean you should lose sight of your own needs and
your own desires. When that happens, you may start to feel robotic in what
you do and what actions you take. You may not feel like you are realizing
your full potential.
Trust your Instincts
When it comes to doing what makes you happy, go with your gut. As long
as what you do doesn’t harm others or hurt your overall well-being, then
take part in it. I have always enjoyed live music so I go to plenty of
concerts. Many people think that I am too old for that or that I should save
my money.
Yet it is what makes me very happy. For those few hours, nothing else
matters. I can let go of stress, not worry about things at home, and just
enjoy the show. I have also made some wonderful friends that share the
same love of music. Some of them I get together with regularly.

Others, I only get to see at a concert so it is even more special when I do
get time with them. You know better than anyone else what it is that will
make you happy. Think about how you would feel if you didn’t take part in
those activities. If removing them would reduce your level of happiness,
then keep taking part in them. Not everyone will understand that, but
spending that time on what you enjoy is for you – not for them.
Own who you Are
Don’t make excuses for spending time on what you like to do. Own who
you are and what you enjoy. Your personality should reflect what you enjoy
taking time to do. Men seem to have a harder time than women with this,
especially if what they enjoy doing isn’t always deemed as masculine.
For example, I once worked with a guy who enjoyed baking. He loved to try
new recipes in his spare time. Yet he was very hesitant to tell people what
he liked to do. When he would bring goodies to the office, people would
comment that he was a lucky guy that his wife made such delicious items
for him.
He didn’t share with many of us that he was actually the one doing the
baking. Only those that he really trusted not to tease him about it. In a
facility that was mainly men, you can imagine how he thought they may
react to the fact that he was their boss but at home baking in the evenings.

It can be hard at times to stay true to who you are and not hide your habits
or hobbies. Your personality is unique though and you should be proud of
it. By taking time for yourself to enjoy what you like, you will become more
comfortable in your own skin.
Don’t apologize to others if your path is one that is different from theirs.
One of the basis for quality relationships is not only accepting what you
have in common with someone but also respecting the differences.
If you aren’t accepting of yourself and what you offer, how can you expect
anyone else to be? Learning to love yourself and to be kind to yourself is a
huge step towards happiness. If you can’t enjoy spending time alone with
you, why would anyone else want to?
Reflect
When you spend time alone, you can relax and you can reflect. Think about
some good memories that you have. They will put you in a good mood and
help you to feel content. Think about challenges you have worked to
overcome, and be proud of the steps you took to make positive changes.
You can also reflect on the future and how you plan to achieve the goals
you have in place.
The process of reflection allows us to slow down and to be in touch with
ourselves. We may live a very fast paced life, and that means that we don’t
always get the results we are looking for. We can develop tunnel vision and
reflection allows you to really see the big picture.

Give your Time
Even though you are making time for yourself, do what you can to donate
some time now and then. If you enjoy knitting, make some extra hats and
scarves that you can donate to a homeless shelter. If you enjoy baking,
take some cookies over to the local senior center for them to enjoy.
Go through your home and clean out clothing and other items you no
longer use. There is always someone who can use them. Donate them to a
shelter or a second hand store. Do what you can to give back with some of
your free time.
Hobbies
Find a couple of hobbies you really enjoy. If you aren’t sure, try something
new. Perhaps a dance class or an art class. You can also spend some time
creating a book club or you can do some home repair projects. Your
hobbies should reflect who you are and what you enjoy taking part in.
They can help you reduce stress and to feel like you are completing
something positive. A couple of hobbies can prevent you from getting bored
or taking part in activities that are negative.

Get your Finances Under Control

One of the big factors in life that can zap your happiness is financial stress.
It is true that the economy is tough, but that isn’t an excuse to be being on
bills an owing lots of debt. Take responsibility so that you are able to feel
good about your financial situation.
If you have the mindset that more money would solve your issues, you are
wrong. It is true that you should strive to live above the poverty level. Yet
financial comfort isn’t going to equate to more happiness. For many
individuals, it can mean less free time and more stress.
Love your Career
The number of hours and years that the average person spends working in
their lifetime is very high. Therefore, you need to love your career if you are
going to be happy. Don’t take a career you hate just to make more money.
Of course it is important to make sure you have a job that will pay the bills!
Some people get a job and they stay with it for decades. They continue to
move up the ladder and they do very well. There are jobs that are a good
starting point, but they aren’t going to move upward. Don’t get trapped in a
dead end job. It is never too late to expand your knowledge. Look for a new
job, learn a new skill, or even go back to college to earn a degree.

Budgeting
In order to get your finances under control, you need to take a good
inventory of your spending. Make a list of all of your monthly bills. This
should include:
 Rent/Mortgage
 Car Payments/Leasing/Public Transportation
 Insurance
 Utilities
 Groceries
 Medical supplies/Medications
 Childcare
Next, make a list of all of your variable expenses. These are unsecured
debt items that you can pay off. This should include:
 Credit Cards
 Personal Loans
 Revolving Credit
Make a list of all of your income and compare it to your expenses. This is
what you have left over each month. With your variable expenses, do what
you can to pay more than the minimum each month so you pay it off
quicker and reduce overall interest.
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Plan of Action
If your budget seems out of control, get help. There are many financial
entities that will help you to budget without any charge. They have
budgeting classes that help you to get back on track. If you have a
significant other, the plan of action for finances should be done as a team.
Create goals that you both work towards and re-evaluate your plan
regularly.
If your expenses are far more than your income, it is time to make some
changes. Can you get a second job to supplement the income and pay
down debt? Can you work from home in your free time to generate more
money for the household? Perhaps you need to move to a lower priced
residence or you need to trade in your car for one that is more affordable.
If you owe a significant amount of unsecured debt, talk to them about
lowering your interest or a payoff. If you provide a lump sum of cash for the
account they may significantly lower the dollar amount that you owe in
order to successfully erase that debt.
It is best to avoid consolidation lenders as they often have high fees and
your credit score can suffer in the end. You also want to avoid filing
bankruptcy unless it is absolutely necessary.
Extras

Pay attention to how much you spend for extras. Eating out, going to the
movies, and even buying coffee at a café can all add up quickly. When you
identify where you are spending your money, you can cut down on some of
those extras. Identify one or two things you really want to have extra.
Allocate an allowance for them and once it is spent, that is it.
Savings
In addition to paying your monthly bills, you should also be paying yourself.
Allocate a percentage of your income or a set dollar amount for savings.
This is important so that you can have money in place for emergencies.
Then you won’t have to use a credit card or revolving credit should there be
an emergency. When you use money you have saved, you don’t have that
interest to think about.
Retirement
Preparing for the future is also very important. Retirement may seem like a
long time from now, but it will arrive. Being prepared for it is very important
and you need to start as early as you can.
If your employer has retirement plans such as 401k, contribute the
maximum that you can. If your employer doesn’t offer this, you should talk
to a retirement advisor. They can help you to get accounts set up. If you
change from one job to the next, roll over your retirement plan instead of
cashing it out.

You should diversify your portfolio so that you have retirement funds
spread out. This will help you to avoid a huge loss should any certain
investment not do very well. The level of risk you take with your retirement
is also important to think about. The closer you get to retirement, the less
risk you should be with those funds.

Offer Forgiveness

Forgiveness is a very powerful source of happiness. We can hold onto
grudges and mistakes for far too long. They can poison our mind, our soul,
and take away from the good things in our lives. When we fail to forgive,
resentment can get the best of us.
When we talk about forgiveness in order to increase happiness, there are 3
categories:
 Asking for forgiveness
 Offering forgiveness
 Forgiving yourself
Asking for Forgiveness
There can be many reasons why we don’t ask for forgiveness. Maybe we
have too much pride or we feel that too much time has gone by. Maybe we
worry that it won’t matter to the other person or persons involved and it will
be a lost cause. Asking for forgiveness is never a sign of weakness.
Instead, it means that you want to release those negative feelings once and
for all. You can ask for forgiveness in person or you can write a personal

letter. A phone call can be nice too but if you aren’t sure how the other
party will respond it may be best not to.
You can always send them a letter and tell them you would like to talk and
then they have the opportunity to contact you if they would like to. A phone
call or in person can put them on the spot and make it hard for them to
come to terms with their emotions due to you contacting them.
With a letter it can give them some time to think about all of it and to make
the decision to listen to what you have to say. Make sure your request for
forgiveness is genuine and that is specifically states what you are
apologizing for. You don’t have to assign blame and you don’t have to get
into the specifics of who was right or wrong.
Even if they don’t accept your apology, you will have the peace of mind that
you extended the olive branch. You will be able to let go of the situation
and you will know that you did what you could to make things right. The
happiness that it will give you is unbelievable because you will be able to
let go.
Offering Forgiveness
When it comes to offering forgiveness, try to be kind. Keep in mind how
difficult it can be for someone to reach out to you. If you feel they are
genuinely sorry for what happened, then let it go. You may have some
questions that you would like them to answer. It is fine to ask so that you
can get some closure with the situation.

It isn’t always instant that you will be able to offer forgiveness. It is fine to
tell someone that you are no longer angry but that you are hurt. Your
emotions can shift before you can fully let go and forgive. You may find that
you can no longer let the relationship go back to what it used to be, but that
you have some respect for that person now.
One of the hardest things to do in terms of offering forgiveness so that you
can be happy is to let go when there is no apology. We have to remember
that people do things for a variety of reasons. Perceptions can play a huge
role in what hurts us or makes us angry.
Sometimes, we get hurt in the crossfire of what someone else is going
through. They may be struggling with addictions, mental health, or other
issues that we aren’t fully aware of. Try to be compassionate and to forgive
when you can. This doesn’t mean they win, it just means you are no longer
willing to keep replaying that scenario in your mind and letting it get the
best of you.
Forgiving Yourself
We can be our own hardest critics, and that means that we can sabotage
our own happiness. You have to be forgiving with yourself. Let go of past
mistakes and move forward. Tell yourself that you did the best you could
with the information you had at the time.

The fact that you are able to realize now that there was a better way to
handle something means that you have grown. You aren’t making the
same mistakes again and again and not making positive changes in your
life.
In life, if you keep looking in that rearview mirror, you will miss what is in
front of you. Your past may have left some scars, but they only prove that
you were stronger than what was trying to hold you back. That is certainly
something to smile about!
Counseling
Sometimes, the issues that have occurred are just too great for us to work
out on our own. If you can’t forgive, you aren’t alone and you shouldn’t feel
guilty about it. Give it time to work through emotions and to see a better
side of things. Talking to a counselor can be a wonderful way to work
through feelings.
It can aid in the healing process so that you can move on and so that you
can feel happier. Forgiveness doesn’t mean that you no longer feel hurt or
anger. It simply means you are in control over those feelings and you are
empowered by your dedications to be happy in spite of what has occurred
in the past.

Stop Comparing Yourself to Others

If you tend to think that the grass is always greener on the other side, you
are reducing your own happiness. It can be difficult at times to be happy for
the success of others. However, that often has to do with a lack of selfesteem and a lack of being content with what you have accomplished.
Keep in mind that you don’t know the battles they have fought to get where
they are today. Very few people did so without sacrifice, hard work, or
without mistakes along that path. What you see is them at the top of the
mountain, but often you missed that difficult journey to reach the peak.
Appreciate
Take some time to really appreciate what you have around do. If you are
able to make ends meet, you have some quality relationships, and you
enjoy your hobbies then you are doing well. It is fine to have goals and to
reach for more. Just make sure you don’t miss out on the happiness right in
front of you due to reaching and reaching.
Jobs
It can be tough to work with someone day in and day out that has a better
role in the organization than you do. Perhaps you applied for that same job

when it came open and you didn’t get it. Find reasons to be very content in
the job you do have. Stop to consider how many unemployed people would
love to have your job if it was offered to them!
If you aren’t happy in your job, think about making some changes. Perhaps
you can learn a new area of the business you already work for. Maybe it is
time to take on a new adventure in another company. You aren’t held down
to the job you have unless you have a contract for a specific period of time.
A fresh start, new faces, and new challenges can be just what you need in
the workforce to make you happy.
House
Our house is our castle, but we can take it for granted over time. Maybe
you are tired of seeing the same thing day after day. If you want to remain
in that home, make some changes. New windows, new curtains, and even
new paint can certainly change the appeal of it. Add some lovely paintings
to offer new focal points in each room.
If your home is too large or too expensive, consider selling it and
downsizing. Moving to a smaller place can mean less upkeep and it can
save you money. Of course you may have to get rid of many items too so
you need to think about what you would be willing to part with.
Don’t be upset if someone has a bigger home than you do. Don’t be angry
that it is in a better location than where yours is. Be proud of what you are

in and make sure you don’t overextend what you can afford to keep up with
others you know and their homes.
Car
Safety and affordability should be key factors when it comes to buying or
leasing a car. Don’t buy one just to compete with what your neighbors have
in the driveway. A sports car isn’t going to make you happy, even though it
can look sharp and be fun to drive!
Children
Don’t compare your children to those of someone else! We all have
concerns about our kids. Each child has a different rate of learning,
different interests, and different behaviors. You can’t compare what your
child does in terms of learning or achievements to others. Focus on what
your child offers and that is what will keep you happy as well as them!
Appearance
You have to be content with your appearance in order to be happy. You
don’t have to look like a model though. We often see celebrities that look
amazing just a few weeks after giving birth. Keep in mind, they have
personal trainers and chefs. They also have help with the baby so they can
get enough rest. Someone selects their clothing, does their hair, and their
makeup.

The average person doesn’t have access to those things. Yet we tend to
compare ourselves to the looks of celebrities. It is fine to admire celebrities
but make sure you keep in mind that they aren’t doing it all on their own.
Don’t compare your looks to those of your friends or family either. We all
have unique features that work for us. If you don’t like things about your
body, work to change them. For example, lose some weight or tone up. If
you aren’t happy with the way your face looks, consider different makeup
products. Changing your hair color and hair cut can also make a difference
in how you look.
Be happy with the person you see in the mirror. While we do live in a
society that puts a huge impact of physical appearance, it really is the
person inside that will get noticed. If people are only paying attention to you
due to physical attributes, those aren’t the right types of people to associate
with.

Face Your Fears

Nothing will destroy happiness or prevent you from achieving it like fear.
There are many types of fear that people experience that can hold them
back. The fear of failure is the biggest one. As we touch on previously, if
you don’t try then you will never know. Mistakes can happen but so can
success.
It can often take many trials, errors, and mistakes to be able to find
success. Some of the most successful people in the world were once in
dire straits due to not giving up on their ideas. With each failure, they
learned one more way not to do what they were trying to achieve.
Being positive and moving through fear is very important. Think about the
best case scenario that can result from your efforts. Think about the worst
case scenario too. Be ready for the best but prepare for the worst.
The funny thing about our fears is that they are usually not as bad as the
monster we had created in our own minds. When we face those fears, we
become empowered and we move forward. We are able to say that we are
strong and that brings us a sense of happiness too.
Doubt

Always believe that you can do what you set out to do. If you don’t have
confidence in yourself, you are going to cave in to doubt. If you have
positive people around you, they can help you to erase such doubt. If your
social structure consists of those that put you down rather than lifting you
up, doubt will win.
When you have doubts, tell yourself why you CAN accomplish what you
would like to. Keep in mind that you will always fail if you say nothing or you
take no action. It is only when you take steps to move forward that you are
able to really see the difference. If you have doubts, make a list of them.
Then make a list of what is at stake for you to gain. Seeing it all on paper
can give you the edge you need to take action.
Calculated Risk
Facing fears though doesn’t mean you throw caution to the wind. Some
types of fears actually keep us safe from harm. Think about what you are
going to try and why you want to try it. You have nothing to prove to anyone
but yourself. Don’t allow dangerous antics to be part of facing your fears as
they could cause you physical harm.
A calculated risk involves looking at the options and coming up with the
best fitting solution for your needs. It helps to look at the common pitfalls
and ways to avoid them. With this type of risk, you can significnalty reduce
the risk of failure.
Stay Positive

If you are positive, you can even get some great energy from your fears.
Any time that they start to feel negative, twist them around. When you have
positive thoughts, you will attract the success you really want. Focus on
breathing regularly when you feel fear so that it won’t hold you down.
Focus on victories you have accomplished to help you stay positive. If you
have only reached part of your goal, you are still further than when you first
began. Don’t let failure be all or nothing in your book.
Realistic
You don’t want to set yourself up for failure either. You need a realistic plan
of action that isn’t too difficult or too easy. For example, your plan can’t be
to lose 25 pounds but you don’t plan to change how you eat or to exercise.
You may want to find a better job but you have to realistically be willing to
learn some new skills if you want a better job.
In the next chapter, we will talk about a plan of action and how to use it to
move forward in your life. As you do so, you will feel achievement, selfworth, and you will be happier!
In the end, we tend to really only regret the chances we didn’t take. That is
why you have to face your fears and move forward. It isn’t always going to
be easy, and it won’t always work out the way you want it to. Yet you won’t
stay awake at night wishing you hadn’t let such an opportunity pass you by.

Make a Plan for Change

If you can’t accept what you have in your life and be happy with it, then you
need to make a plan for a change. There can be plenty of types of changes
that occur to make you happier. Take an inventory of what you need in
order to reach true happiness.
Maybe you need to improve relationships with your family and friends.
Maybe you need more time for yourself and for your hobbies. Less stress
about money can help you to be happier. Accepting yourself and being
positive can also be part of the plan for change.
Time
One of the biggest barriers for change is time. People feel that they just
don’t have enough of it. By saying no as talked about in a previous chapter,
you can open up time. Start to carve out those period of down time on your
monthly calendar before you fill it up with everything else.
In order for change to occur, you have to be willing to embrace it. Change
isn’t going to come easy, and it can take time and patience. You need a
plan of action to help you get there. For example, if you want to become
more active, develop a plan that allows you to exercise 30 minutes a day. If
the day tends to get away from you, carve out time first thing in the

morning. If you are sluggish in the morning though the afternoon may be a
better option.
Enjoyable
Next, find activities that you enjoy so that you won’t try to get out of it.
Exercise needs to be something you look forward to rather than trying to
avoid. When it comes to change, you won’t always get to take part in
activities you like. That is where discipline comes into the picture.
When that is the case, think about how enjoyable it is going to be when you
do make those changes. Visualize the level of happiness it will give you to
stop smoking or to complete your degree. That will help you to be
motivated and to move forward with the necessary tasks.
Support
Get encouragement and support from family and friends. Let them know
what you want to change and why. If you are surrounding yourself with
good people, they will encourage you and be proud of your efforts. This
support also holds you to a higher level of accountability than before.
You may find that you get a buddy to help you make the change with too.
For example, your spouse may decide they will stop smoking or they will
make diet and exercise changes along with you. It sure is easier to do
something like that with someone than on your own!

Rewards
Finally, have a way to track your progress and reward your efforts. If you
are consistently working out day after day, treat yourself to something such
as a new CD or a night at the movies.
You want the rewards to be consistent with what you have in place for your
ultimate goal. For example, if you are planning to complete a four year
degree, a reward at the end of each completed semester is a good idea.
However, you should have a very large reward waiting for yourself come
graduation day!
Resources
Keep in mind that you don’t have to take care of everything on your own.
There are resources out there to help you with your plans for change. If you
want to feel better, talk with your doctor. If you want to eat better, sit down
with a dietician. A financial planner can help you with budgeting and with
retirement. Use the resources that make it easier for you to have a clear
path to your goals.
Write it Down
Your plan of action for change and a happier you should be written down.
This makes it more concrete. Have a start date and an end date for
reaching your ultimate goal. If the goal is large and long term, break it down

so you have mini steps to achieve along the way. Being able to celebrate
that success will keep you motivated.
Evaluate
At regular intervals, evaluate your plan of action for change. Are you
happier? Do you feel the plan is still working for you? If not, revamp it. You
may find that tweaking certain elements of your plan allow you to get
beyond any pitfalls that you didn’t foresee in your path.

Take Care of your Mind and Body

If you want to be happy in life, you need to take care of your mind and your
body. The mind and body work in sync with each other so they should be
able to offer you the very best. When they aren’t in sync though you have
to make an effort to get them back to that point.
Chemicals in the Brain
In order to experience happiness, there are certain chemicals in the brain
that must be present. The chemical balance of the brain is very complex.
Taking part in exercise will help to release feel good chemicals. Some
individuals don’t have the right combination of chemicals that they need.
If that may be the case, medications may be necessary to help regulation
them. Many people suffer from mental health concerns including
depression that prevent them from being as happy as they would like to be.
Talk to a professional about the possibility and see if they can help you to
be happier than you thought possible. If all your efforts alone don’t raise
that level, this may be the next step to explore.
Lifestyle Habits

The mind needs to rest just like the body does. Getting enough sleep each
night is good for the mind and the body. It will provide you with more
energy and allow you to be alert. When the mind is sharp, you get more
accomplished in less time. You can also be more creative.
Avoid bad habits including drinking excessively, using illegal drugs, and
smoking. They can all contribute to serious health problems. It can be hard
to stop using such products due to the physical and mental addiction to
them. However, there are resources out there that can help offer solutions
so you don’t have to feel alone with your efforts.
Eat Well
Your mind and your body benefit from eating well. Your body and brain get
enough from the foods you consume. When you eat foods that are high in
antioxidants, it offers a boost for the immune system. This includes fresh
fruits and vegetables.
Your body and brain need plenty of protein too in order to help with energy.
When you consume foods that are high in processed carbs or sugars, it
can reduce your level of happiness. It can cause the brain to get smaller
and increase the risk of depression.
Checkups
Routine checkups for your medical needs, dental care, and vision are also
important. Such checkups should be scheduled annually. Don’t wait until

you have a concern to take action. If you have a family history of health
issues, make sure your doctor is aware of them. Early testing can play a
role in prevention.
Regular checkups can help with early intervention if a problem is detected.
It can make a huge difference in the types of treatment that are offered for
the health care need. It can also determine the difference between the
need for ongoing treatment or a one time solution.
Pay Attention
Don’t ignore any signs from your mind or your body that something isn’t
right. If you are experiencing anything that is unusual, take action. Too
many people ignore it because they are afraid or they don’t have the time
to deal with it. Yet those early warning signs can prevent problems that
can’t be reversed later on.
Be proactive when it comes to taking care of your mind, your body, and
your overall well-being. It is a significant step towards feeling great and
towards being happy.

Conclusion

Are you happy? Maybe you think you are happy enough? Perhaps you
have been unhappy for so long that it seems like just a part of life. Now is
the time to mix things up and see what materializes. Don’t let fear of the
unknown or fear of failure hold you back.
Don’t be so worried about what others think. As long as your efforts to be
happy don’t hurt anyone else, then hold your head up and confidently take
part in them. Do what you can to keep financial strive from reducing your
level of happiness. Worrying about money can make it hard to be happy
about much else.
For many people, just finding the courage to say no to numerous time
draining commitments is a huge step forward. They feel more in control of
the day. They enjoy seeing some blank spots on the calendar rather than
every single time slot filled in. They like having time to do nothing or time to
visit with someone they love.
What will people say about you when it is time for your funeral services?
Hopefully, they will be able to say you were fun, happy, and lived your life
to the fullest every single day. You have the choice to be happy so you can
start to change things around or leave them exactly as they are right now. If

your self-esteem is low, you need to fix that. If you are often not feeling well
about who you are, it is tough to be happy.
Don’t be so focused only on physical beauty either. It may surprise you just
how many people out there that are gorgeous aren’t happy. They often
wonder if people like them for anything else. The same goes for people
with lots of money. They always worry that people just want some cash and
not really anything about them personally.
What this means is that we all have our inner issues and our outer
variables that we have to learn to contend with. The real world isn’t always
kind, so make sure you are always kind to yourself first. Take time to be
kind and generous to others in your life as well as strangers on the street. It
may make more of a difference to them than you will ever know.
One of the easiest ways to change your mindset is to take part in a daily
exercise where you express gratitude Make a list of a few things you are
grateful for and start your day off with positive thoughts. It can really
change the way that your entire day plays out.
As soon as you realize it isn’t about materials things and money, you can
find happiness. It gets harder and harder for the younger generations to get
that message. We live in a society that seems to promote material objects
as the way to a happy life. So much of the advertising out there shows this.
They never show someone in an older car that is paid for smiling and
happy. They want you to think to be content you need a new car and the
payment that goes along with it!

While we don’t have control over everything that happens around us, we do
have the choice to be happy. People who are happy and successful in life
aren’t just lucky. Instead, they appreciate the small things and they
surround themselves with people will are positive.
They make time for themselves so that they aren’t overwhelmed. They take
time to relax and to engage in activities that are fun for them. They strive to
have a healthy body and a healthy mind so that they can continue to feel
happy at any age.
Identify what true happiness means to you, and then do all you can to
make it happen. You have some very good insight from this material to help
you make positive changes that will influence your life for the better. Pick
one change to make at a time and really focus on it.
As you do well with it, add another to the mix. You will notice that you start
to feel happier in no time at all. Stop spending your time on activities and
people that bring you down. Life is simply too short to be anything but
happy!