How to Be Happy – 7 Habits of Happy People

hey everyone and welcome to top think today we’re going to learn about the seven habits of happy people now let’s begin number one perfect imperfection when we dream we dream of perfection right the perfect friends the perfect job the perfect life but a flawless life doesn’t make you happy our strongest emotions love empathy and trust aren’t perfect instead these emotions live the flaws and failures that make you and your life unique the happiest people aren’t looking for perfection they don’t want their life to be flawless they don’t dream of an alternate world where everything is bigger and better instead they fall in love with the tiny imperfections all around them just imagine your dream house do you see a spacious mansion sparkling from top to bottom do you envision a movie theater a giant pool and a sprawling backyard in theory these ideas could make you happy you imagine yourself enjoying every square inch of your picture perfect home but this vision is just an idea in reality every house has imperfections even the house of your dreams every room could be bigger every pool could be deeper if you keep asking for more you’ll never be satisfied with the things you already have so don’t idealize your perfect life instead raise a magnifying glass to the imperfections in your life the accidents the failures and the mistakes but don’t criticize them appreciate them in your house the door handles may be loose the ceiling may be too low but those imperfections turn a house into a home in all aspects of life you don’t need perfection to be happy because you’ll find happiness in the most imperfect places number two the value of time what’s the most valuable resource in your life money power fame at the end of their rope there’s one thing people wish for one resource they want above all else and that resource is time they wish for time to spend with the people they love they wish for time to explore their passions time to see the world time to experience new adventures in the end time is the most valuable thing you have but we forget how quickly our time slips away you may spend your life in pursuit of money attention power you may chase fame and fortune you may think titles and paychecks will make you happy in your head these resources are all you need you envision how great your life would be if only you had money or influence but what happens when you get there what happens when you become wealthy and powerful you feel just as empty as you did before fame and fortune are comfortable luxuries that much is obvious but they cannot give your life meaning you need passion you need love you need purpose you could have all the money in the world but without those things your wealth is worthless that’s why happy people value their time they don’t live their life in pursuit of a big paycheck they don’t aspire to be famous powerful or important instead the happiest people dedicate their time to things that make them happy to their passions to their loved ones to their favorite hobbies so rethink the way you spend your time when you’re at the end of your life when you look back on all your years you should know one thing for sure you spent your time wisely number three emotional connections how often do you have meaningful conversations you may avoid deep or emotional discussions you may turn every conversation into a joke you may keep your friends at an arm’s length but your brain craves meaningful connection it wants to share stories and relate to other people because that’s how lasting bonds are built not through small talk or good manners but through honest and vulnerable conversations the happiest people chase these kinds of conversations they avoid small talk and gossip they let down their guard and they take risks with the people they care about yes it’s scary to expose something personal about yourself but those secrets told to the right person can nurture a lifelong friendship just think about your friendships have you and your friends connected on an emotional level if you haven’t make an effort sit down with your friends and dive deep don’t be afraid to be emotional and sincere because those conversations are the most meaningful number four altruistic spending how much money do you spend on yourself we buy things for ourselves all the time things we think we need in the moment those purchases make us happy but that happiness fades almost instantly think for example about buying a new phone you imagine all the ways this new phone will change your life but once you buy it the phone loses its sparkle and shine the rose-colored glasses come off and your burst of happiness just flitters away before you know it you’re searching for something new the happiest people don’t spend much money on themselves they know that excitement is temporary so instead of spending money on themselves they give money to other people because giving brings far more happiness than getting let’s say you buy a meal for someone who can’t afford it or maybe you donate to a good cause those small acts of kindness give you a greater sense of purpose and meaning suddenly you’re thinking outside of yourself you’re working in big ways and small ways to make the world a better place you’re choosing to brighten another person’s life and that kind of happiness is priceless number five hitting the brakes life moves faster than you think your routines keep you racing through the day your eyes stay locked in front of you focused on your goals focused on your future you’re rushing to get where you want to go but you’re missing the meaningful moments along the way life is like driving down a highway you could speed through the countryside staring only at the road in front of you you may get where you want to go in record time but what about the beautiful scenery you missed what about the memories you never made the happiest people slow their lives down instead of speeding from one place to another they ride the brakes they stop to enjoy their surroundings happy people relish the small but wonderful pleasures in life smells tastes and colors the sunlight the soft grass and the cool breeze we take these things for granted every day we’re so focused on the future we ignore the present moment so make a change set aside time to enjoy the world around you it could be just five minutes it could be an hour whatever is comfortable during that time acknowledge your environment your comforts and your gifts open your eyes and ears think about where you are and appreciate all that your world has to offer number six blocks of passion what are you passionate about a craft a hobby a sport or a subject what lights your fire more than anything in the world whatever your passion is that passion plays an important role in your happiness the problem is most people neglect their passions they get busy with work they’re overwhelmed by stress and responsibility so their favorite activities just slip through their fingers alright let’s say you love to swim growing up you swam every chance you could back then nothing made you happier but now you have a full-time job you have a family that depends on you you have a lot on your plate so should you leave your passion in the past the happiest people prioritize their passions it doesn’t matter if your passions don’t make money it doesn’t matter if you’re bad at them no matter how skilled or dedicated you are passions should be a top priority because your passions give you inspiration they lift your spirits they brighten your day and they motivate you to live a better life so engage with your passions as often as you can whether you love to scuba dive mountain climb or paint flowers make time for the activities you love number seven mood evaluation how often do you evaluate your mood this is a difficult thing to do very few people check in with themselves because your brain is oriented outward you think about the needs of others you think about expectations judgments and criticisms meanwhile you neglect the attitudes and feelings that guide you through life but those feelings control your happiness the happiest people evaluate their moods on a daily basis they carefully understand how they’re feeling and they give themselves room to change happiness isn’t a guarantee you could be happy one day and unhappy the next because your happiness evolves over time early in your life freedom and excitement may brighten your mood but later you may be searching for comfort and stability that’s why happiness requires maintenance you have to re-evaluate your life and your mood every day reflect on how you’re feeling just ask yourself do i feel happy today what makes me happy right now your answers could and should change over time some days little things will enliven your world other days you’ll be stuck in a funk unable to find your way out but hey that’s okay the most important thing is the work you put into your happiness happiness will not fall into your lap it’s something you have to work struggle and fight for but if you fight hard enough if you’re patient and reflective you’ll discover what makes you happy and you’ll chase that happiness for years to come hey thanks for watching top thinking be sure to subscribe because more incredible content is on the way