We live in a world where we have forgotten to enjoy the journey. Although immediate pleasure and comfort are quite convenient, they have led us to a constant lack of satisfaction.
We consume more, we travel more, we have more fun, we learn more than any other generation, and yet we are still not happy. Because we never have enough clothes, money, possessions, “likes”, or enough time.
If you're trying to find ways to be happier in this day and age when nothing is enough, then you're not alone. And although happiness may seem utopian, the following 7 steps can make you happier.
Step #1: Don't compare yourself to others Laura Williams said, "Comparison is the thief of happiness." How right he was! In today's perfect world Facebook, Instagram, Twitter---Social Media in general, the comparison is spreading rapidly. It's very easy to feel like you're the only one in the world who doesn't have everything under control. Well, I'll relieve you. You're not alone!
Remember that people capture the things they want to remember... And no one wants to remember shopping at the supermarket or the fight with the husband. Despite the filters in the photo, no one has a perfect life. So listen to me, the only person you're going to have to compare yourself to is who you were yesterday.
Step #2: Don't talk negatively about yourself or others We are attached to the idea that we have to behave and look 'perfect', otherwise, we are inadequate. And woe betides the man who will try to distance himself from this standard of perfection. There are all those who wait patiently to "destroy" anyone who dares to escape. But it's really exhausting trying to conform to standards of perfection and at the same time waiting to see the next person who won't make it.
So if you want to be happier, get rid of the negativity. It serves neither you nor anyone else. So in a world full of little minds, choose to be big. Let's remember Eleanor Roosevelt: Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people.
Step #3: Socialize with people who make you better I really like Tim Ferris's phrase: "But you are the average of the five people you associate with most, so do not underestimate the effects of your pessimistic, unambitious, or disorganized friends. If someone isn't making you stronger, they're making you weaker." So I'm asking you, what are your five people?
Do they make you better? Or does hanging out with them tire you out and keep you stagnant? If your answer is positive to the second question, it may be time to reconsider your choices. Meet people you admire and want to look like.
Step #4: Do something for someone else If you've ever devoted time or energy to helping someone, I don't have to tell you the benefits. Doing something for someone else is a tried and tested way to multiply your own happiness. The good news is it doesn't take much time, it doesn't take much trouble. Next time you're looking for some joy, do an act of kindness. Buy someone coffee, write a thank-you note, open the door politely to someone who follows you. Remember, when you've lost your smile, if you help someone find their own, you'll find yours more easily.
Step #5: Unplug There are times when you're so attached to your phone and computer because of your work that you lose moments. But something magical happens when you turn off your devices, and you're 100% present with your family.
When there's no temptation to check messages, social or mail, your mind is free to connect much deeper. And much more substantially. Try spending a day away from technology. Remove your phone, don't turn on your computer and enjoy quality time with your family. At a time when we live with mobile phones in our pockets (when they're not in our hands), it's incredibly liberating to cut ties with digital media and connect with reality. So choose one day, one hour, 10 minutes and... unplug.
Step #6: Exercise your gratitude If you want to increase your happiness, then make gratitude part of your daily life. You can do it in many ways, but I suggest you start with a diary of gratitude. It doesn't have to be anything impressive, it can be as simple as a notebook you keep by the bed or in your office. You can also write it on your mobile phone. What you need to do is spend a few minutes at the beginning of your day (or at the end) to record a few things you're grateful for. Cultivating gratitude has many benefits in physical and psychological health, sleep quality and self-confidence.
Step #7: Don't stop learning The feeling of being "stuck" can be a big obstacle in the search for happiness. One of the best ways to overcome that feeling is to stop evolving and learning new things.
Remember the words of Max DePree: "In the end, it is important to remember that we cannot become what we need to be by remaining what we are."
What you need to remember about happiness is that there's no big secret. Happiness can be found in any of these daily tips, as long as you apply them. Now that you know where to start, happiness is definitely up to you.
