Hustle. Be stronger. Strive for more than you currently have. These are lessons many are taught if they want to be successful. The tough truth is that hustling harder or being that boss babe won’t make you happier. There’s a mighty good chance you’ll actually be unhappier the harder you strive for a ferocious future. One of the best ways you can live a life dripping in happiness is to increase the amount of gratitude in each and every day. If you want to be a happier person, consider the following five gratitude hacks.
Learn to Live in a State of Contentment
Individuals who learn to live in a state of contentment naturally bring more gratitude into their lives. When you train yourself to be content with what you have, you automatically become thankful for the blessings in your life. From the roof over your head to the people in your life, your level of contentment has a direct bearing on your sense of gratitude.
Stop Trying To Be Perfect
People who try to be perfect often fall short of the mark. Learning to let go of perfectionism and accept yourself as you are helps you become more grateful for all your personality quirks. The world would be a boring place if everyone was perfect. Embrace your imperfections as part of the beauty of life and be thankful for inconsistencies that make you human.
Be Present Instead of Worrying About the Past
If you are constantly fretting over your past, you will never learn the peace and serenity that comes from embracing your present. The most content people are often the ones who live their lives in the present and focus on enjoying each moment of their here and now. You can’t change your past, so why worry over mistakes you made? Learn the lessons life taught you and then let go of your past. Remind yourself to stay present each day and you’ll find you go to sleep at night with a much greater sense of contentment.
Be There for Others
If you want to deepen your sense of gratitude, make sure you are there for others to offer moral support. You needn’t take on their troubles as your own; simply listening to their concerns is often enough. When you understand what others are going through, you tend to be more grateful for your own sense of peacefulness.
Stop Craving the Future
To supercharge your sense of gratitude, stop craving future events and possessions. Life will happen whether you plan for it or not; stop desiring what you don’t currently have and your gratitude levels automatically rise. Don’t focus on that marriage partner you don’t have or that dream home that isn’t yours. Revel in your freedom and the blessings of your current life without focusing on a future that is out of your control.
Remember these five simple tips and you will automatically live a life steeped in gratitude. When you stop wanting and desiring, you learn just how blessed you are and how good your life truly is at this present time. Living a life of gratitude is one of those life hacks many overlook. You’ll be amazed at how much happier you are when you fill your life with gratefulness.