Happiness is the progressive realization of a worthy ideal. It is not something you arrive at. It is something that comes because of taking positive actions. So, it is better not to pursue happiness directly. Instead focus on doing high leverage activities and you will be happier. Here are my 9 G’s of happiness.
Gratitude – This is truly the first step to any type of happiness. Whenever you are feeling down take your journal and write down everything you are grateful for. This exercise will make you feel a lot more peaceful and any temporary pain will reduce. Gratitude truly is the gateway to a happier life. Some people suggest writing down the things you are grateful for the first thing in morning. I have already written it down and review this in the morning. It sets your mind for a good day.
Goals – Goals are something very personal to every individual. The key to happiness is to go after your goals and not something the others around you want. This is the key to happiness. Deciding exactly what you want in your life and then taking daily action towards that is a great happiness booster.
Generosity – There has been a lot of evidence that altruism promotes happiness. So, bring your generosity genes into play and you will find yourself more fulfilled. Be kinder to everyone you meet and contribute in your own unique way.
Greatness – What I mean by this word is not that you are going to be number one in everything you do. What I am trying to say with this is to aim to maximise your own potential. When you give your best, you feel better. When you are making progress in your life you feel happier. Abraham Maslow said self-actualization is the key to a life fully lived.
Growth – Life is all about growth both personally and professionally. Continuous learning keeps you happier. Learning is the key to winning in the 21st century. So always be on the growth path through reading, listening and watching uplifting content. You will automatically feel happier when you keep learning and growing.
Gentleness – If we think we are carrying the burden of the world on our shoulders we will not be happy. One of the keys to happiness to take yourself lightly. Gentleness has a nice ring to it. Be gentle with yourself and if you make a mistake make peace with it. Once you are gentle with yourself be gentle with others. This makes you a more agreeable person and people would like to be around you.
Genuine – Be genuine to yourself and with everyone else in your life. This promotes happiness immediately. This is being totally true to yourself. When you are true to yourself you will be happier. Of course, all of us to do slip from time to time but once we get back to be our best we will feel better. Journaling also helps in developing self-awareness. Being genuine requires very high self-awareness. Self-awareness is the key to a happy fulfilled life.
Go for it – We all get one chance in life, so we can decide to go for what we want. Once we are in the process of creating the life we want we will feel happier. Going for it requires a mission for life, a vision which is very personal and precise goal setting. Once you are clear on what you want in your life then you can go for it. This promotes happiness because you are on purpose.
Goodness – What I mean by this is to always look for the good in every situation you find yourself. There is a lot of goodness in this world and we need to be on the lookout for it. So, keep looking at the better parts of your life and others. Seeing the good in every situation and person does promote happiness.
There you have it the 9 G’s of happiness and following them can lead us to greater happiness. Thanks for reading this post.
The views expressed here are my own and do not represent my organization.