What is happiness? We all know what it feels like–a sense of joy, contentment, and well-being. But what causes these feelings? And why do they vary from person to person?
There are many theories about happiness, but scientists have yet to come up with a definitive answer. However, some common themes come with happiness.
Here are five types of happiness that everyone can achieve with effort, time, and a positive mindset:
1. The happiness of accomplishment. This type of happiness comes from setting and achieving goals. It can be as simple as completing a long-overdue task of reaching a long-term goal, such as buying a house or starting a business.
When you set goals and work hard to achieve them, you build self-confidence. It can lead to a sense of accomplishment and happiness. How do you set achievable goals to improve your overall happiness and well-being?
First, you make a list of SMART goals. SMART goals are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound goals. Goals need to be specific. Otherwise, you won’t be able to measure your progress.
If a goal is too vague, such as “I want to be rich,” it's difficult to stay motivated because you won’t know when you’ve achieved it.
Your goals should also be achievable and realistic. Trying to lose 20 pounds in one week is probably not going to happen, and if it does, it won’t be sustainable.
Relevant goals are important to you and your current lifestyle. A goal like “I want to buy a yacht” might not be relevant if you live in an apartment and can’t afford the maintenance costs.
A time-bound goal has a deadline, so you can measure your progress. “I want to save $20,000 in the next year” is an example of a time-bound goal.
For example, a SMART goal might look like this: I will start my business within the following year. You can make it even more specific by pinpointing the type of business you want to set up. Also, include a revenue target for the first year of operation.
Remember, it’s important to have short-term and long-term goals to keep you motivated and happy. A short-term goal could be: “I will research business ideas for the next month.”
Long-term goals could be: “I will start my freelance writing business within the next year and make $50,000 in revenue during the first year of operation.”
When you break down your goals into smaller chunks, they become less daunting and achievable.
Create a detailed action plan for the next few months to highlight the most important tasks you need to complete to achieve your goal. It will help you stay on track and make progress toward your goals.
Finally, don’t forget to celebrate your accomplishments along the way!
2. The happiness of love and connection. This type of happiness comes from strong relationships with family, friends, and romantic partners. It’s the feeling you get when surrounded by people you love and who love you back.
How can you achieve this type of happiness? The first step is to make time for the people in your life who matter most to you. If you’re always busy with work or other commitments, finding time for your loved ones can be challenging.
Schedule regular catchups with friends and family members, even if it’s just a quick coffee or phone call.
Make time for date nights or weekend getaways if you’re in a romantic relationship. It’s important to keep the spark alive and show your partner that you still care. Book a spa day with your partner and arrange game nights, romantic dinners, or movie nights.
It’s also important to be supportive and understand when conflicts arise. Family members and friends are not perfect, just as you are not perfect. Be patient and try to see things from their perspective.
Last, don’t forget to show your appreciation for the people in your life. A simple “thank you” or “I love you” can go a long way. A kind thank you note, a box of chocolates, or tickets to a theater show are excellent examples of how to show your loved ones how much you care.
3. The happiness of being in the moment. This type of happiness comes from enjoying the simple things in life and savoring special moments. It’s being present and living the moment instead of looking to the future or dwelling on the past.
How can you achieve this type of happiness? One way to achieve this type of happiness is to be aware of your thoughts, feelings, and surroundings. It’s about living in the moment and not letting your mind wander.
Another way to achieve this type of happiness is to savor special moments. When something good happens, take a moment to appreciate it fully. For example, if you’re on vacation and have a great time, take lots of photos and videos to remember the experience later.
Also, live in the moment by focusing on the things you can control, such as how you react to situations and letting go of the things you can’t control. Examples of things you can’t control are the weather, other people’s actions, and traffic.
Lastly, remember to enjoy the simple things in life. It could be something as small as taking a relaxing bath or reading your favorite book. The key is to take the time to appreciate the things that make you happy.
4. The happiness of personal growth. This type of happiness comes from a sense of progress and achievement. It’s the feeling you get when you reach a goal or accomplish something difficult.
One way to achieve this type of happiness is to challenge yourself. If you’re always doing the same things, it's easy to get bored and feel you’re not making any progress.
Challenging yourself can help you learn new things and feel a sense of accomplishment. It can also help you build confidence and self-esteem.
One way to challenge yourself is to take on a new hobby or activity that you’re unfamiliar with. Another way is to set higher standards in your current hobbies or activities. For example, if you’re a runner, challenge yourself to run a longer distance or a faster time.
5. The happiness of charity. This type of happiness comes from giving back and helping others. It’s the feeling you get when you make a difference in someone else’s life.
One way to achieve this type of happiness is by volunteering your time or donating money to a cause that you care about.
Volunteering your time can help you feel connected to a larger community and make a difference in someone else’s life. Donating money can also help you feel good about yourself while supporting a cause that’s important to you.
Another way to achieve this type of happiness is to do something nice for someone else. It could be something as small as holding the door open for someone or giving a compliment. These random acts of kindness can make someone’s day and make you feel good at the same time.
You can also achieve this type of happiness by being there for someone when they need you. If a friend is going through a tough time, offer your support. If you have a skill or talent that could help someone, offer your help.
Happiness is achievable. These are just a few of the many ways you can achieve happiness. The key is to find what works for you and make it a part of your life.
Experiment with different activities and behaviors until you find something that makes you happy. Then, make it a habit to do those things regularly. Soon, you’ll be on your way to a happier and more fulfilling life.
To Your Continued Success!
Always Leading Up,
Stephanie
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