22 Things Happy People Do Differently

You see them everyday. You know one person at work that is always like this. You have that one friend that is always the way they are. R. Kelly even made a song about them, damnit. Happy people. You're either happy, or you're not. What's the secret? How can they be like that? Why are they always so damn happy? How come the richest people can be miserable while people who have nothing are so happy with what little they have?

The secret is in the mind. Happiness cannot obtained by material things like money or other people. The secret is by changing their mindset and living them daily and habitually. Successify.net did an awesome article, as well as many many other great articles that I suggest you check out, that give 22 secrets that happy people do on the daily.

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1. Don't Hold Grudges

It's better to forgive and forget. Holding a grudge can chip away at you mentally, emotionally and even physically. If you're crowded by grudes with people, you'll have no clarity in your mind. Why give those people power over you when you can let go and let God.

2. Treat Everyone with Kindness

When you do a selfless act, your brain produces a hormone that eases tension called serotonin. It's proven to make you happier and not only does it help your wellbeing but also the relationships you have with random people, close friends and family, and acquaintances.

3. See problems as challenges

I know this one personally from my mom. The word "problem" is not an option nor should it be anyone's vocabulary. A problem is looked at as a struggle or drawback when a challenge is an opportunity. My mom would always tell me to never give up at a challenge, because the people at the top never saw it as a problem.

4. Express gratitude for what they already have

"The happiest people don't have the best of everything; they just make the best of everything they have"... Probably one of cliche phrases you've heard in the past, but if you really count your blessings and truly appreciate what you have, you'll always be happy.

5. Dream big

This one hits home for me. "shoot for the stars, at the very least, you'll hit the moon". If you dream big, you'll put your mindset at a higher standard and stay focused. If you're going to dream at all, why not dream big? IF PEOPLE AREN'T LAUGHING AT YOUR DREAMS, YOUR DREAMS AREN'T BIG ENOUGH.

6. Don't Sweat the Small Stuff

This was also a book that my mom gave for me to read. I never read it, but I learned the hard way that life's too short to get worked up for nothing. Ask yourself, "Will this problem mattar a year from now?" Let the small things go, it'll definitely lift the weight that's on your shoulders.

7. Speak Well of Others

This can be hard for some people, but there's a word out on the street... Being nice feels better than being mean! Wow! I don't know about you, gossiping leaves me feeling guilty and resentful. I know I find myself slipping sometimes and I do try to fix this habit that I feel is almost genetic since I'm Filipino haha. Saying nice things about other people can change your own mindset into being positive and non-judgmental.

8. Never Make Excuses

This also applies to people trying to be successful in their business and life. Happy people don't make excuses. Period. They don't blame others but instead man up to their mistakes and always find ways to be better for next time or prevent it from happening again.

9. Get Absorbed Into the Present

Dwelling on the past can move you two steps back. Don't worry much about the past OR the future. Enjoy the present and the moments that are happening now. You might miss out of memories you wished you enjoyed.

10. Wake Up at the Same Time Every Morning

My mom would always wake up the same damn time every day, regardless if she had work or vacation. My mother and successful people are early risers and it increases your productivity, stabilizes your circadian rhythm, and puts you in calm, centered state.

11. Avoid Social Comparison

If everyone is special and unique, then why would you spend so much time comparing yourself to other people. Thinking you're better than someone else is an unhealthy mindset of superiority. And vice versa, if you think someone is better than you, you'll feel bad and insecure about yourself. Focusing on your OWN progress and your OWN best puts you at a better place for finding happiness. Don't forget to praise others along the way.

12. Choose Friends Wisely

My mom used to say, "You are who your friends are". Surround yourself with what you want to become, which is hopefully, happy, positive, and productive. Find friends who will encourage you to achieve your goals because more positive energy around your life make you feel better.

13. Never Seek Approval From Others

You have enough time in your hands in your pursuit of happiness, why care what others think of you? Follow your own heart with no regard because you will NEVER please everyone. That doesn't mean don't LISTEN to people, but seeking approval is not important.

14. Take the Time to Listen

Listening is not only good to being a good boyfriend, but it also helps with your happiness. Talk less and listen more. When you're open to other's wisdom and outlooks, you can gain much perspectives and views that you might have not seen before.

15. Nurture Social Relationships

Strong, healthy relationships are important to happy people. It's quality, not quantity. Take the time out to see the people that mean the most to you, and like one of the things stated above, the people that make you a better person.

16. Meditate

Meditating can clear your mind, silence cluttered thoughts, and help you find your inner peace. You don't necessarily have to hum in a temple and shave your head, but finding time in your day to pause, reflect, and heal your mind is one of the secrets of the happy people.

17. Eat Well.

I know when I eat Jack in the Box or Filibertos, I feel like shit. It makes me sluggish, lazy and obviously, fat. Fill your body with the things that make you healthy. Eat the foods that help give your body the chemicals and hormones it needs to work at a high level.  Your diet can dictate your moods, energy, and mental focus. Healthy body, healthy mind, and vice versa.

18. Exercise

You don't need Zoloft to increase your happiness hormones. Putting time at the gym or exercising in general can increase those hormones. Not only will it make you in great shape, it can also boost your self esteem and give you that sense of accomplishment.

19. Live Minimally

Cluttered house, cluttered mind. My mom would always say that when I had too much stuff in my room. And she was right. Having that extra clutter would make me feel overwhelmed and stressed out. Try keeping your house, car, bathroom, or office clean, and you can have a clearer and calmer mind.

20. Tell the Truth

When you lie, you stress out, you lose self-esteem, and you become unlikeable. "The truth will set you free"... it can also improve mental health and builds trust with others.

21. Establish Personal Control

When you feel control of your own life, your own destiny, you are living a life closer to happiness. Letting others tell you how to live is unacceptable. You want that self-worth and that sense of control, which manifests positivity and productivity.

22. Accept What Cannot Be Changed

Life isn't fair. Oh well. Accept it. You'll be more in peace with yourself and your life. Stop obsessing and just focus on what you can control and always change for the better.

(Source: 22 Things Happy People Do Differently)