The Three Secrets of Happiness

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We all want to be happy don’t we?  Some want more money, some want a little more fame, some wish for true love or a career while some long for peace. We always yearn for something that we don’t have and it is this yearning that keeps us going. We keep moving in the hope that some day we will get it, buy it or find it and we will be happy that day.

Sadly, it never happens. The list of wants is a never ending one that only keeps growing as you move forward. Also, happiness is not a thing that is found somewhere neither is it a commodity that is sold in market. Indeed, it is intangible, but it exists within. So what then is the secret of happiness? Well, I share with you today a piece by Surabhi Surendra, stating some keys facts to ensure a happy life.

1. Good relationships. We have a biological need to be close, to be intimate, with other human beings. Having good, supportive friendships, a strong marriage or close and loving relationships with our family members will make us much more likely to be happy. Action steps: Take time, today, to spend time with your loved ones, to tell them what they mean to you, to listen to them, and develop your relationship with them.

2. Positive thinking. I’m obviously a big proponent of positive thinking as the best way to achieve your goals, but it turns out that it can lead to happiness too. Optimism and self-esteem are some of the best indicators of people who lead happy lives. Happy people feel empowered, in control of their lives, and have a positive outlook on life. Action steps: Make positive thinking a habit. In fact, this should be one of the first habits you develop. Get into the habit of squashing all negative thoughts and replacing them with positive ones. Instead of “I can’t” think “I can”. It may sound cliched, but it has worked for me, every time.

3. Follow your heart. Doing something that we are passionate about not only gives us a sense of contentment but also fills our heart with immense joy. The super hit movie 3 idiots talks about the same concept. Action steps: Find out what you genuinely enjoy. If you can’t plunge into it immediately, take small steps but only do something that truly engages you.

I believe if we all stick by these principles, we’ll have a happy life or at least close enough. Let’s have your thoughts.