Each of us is currently on our own journey in this life, a journey that will include ups and downs, highs and lows, celebrations and disappointments. The ultimate goal is to build a life of happiness, purpose and fulfillment, one that puts a smile on our face every morning and causes us to be excited to wake up and get out of bed.
This leads us to life’s big quest – what can you do to foster happiness in your day to day life? While some self-help gurus will discuss big, elaborate plans, extreme sacrifices and years of study, they overlook the fact that the real path to happiness lies in simple day to day choices.
Here are 25 daily choices that will lead you to a beautiful and fulfilling life:
#1 – The ‘Good Old Rule’
Live your life with this one classic rule in mind, as told through a Russian proverb: You should eat breakfast alone, but your lunch with a friend, and give the dinner to your enemy.
#2 – You Are in Control
While it may not always feel this way, remind yourself that there is only one person in control of your life, and that’s you! Every day you get to make the choice regarding how you feel, how you react and the way you are going to tackle the day ahead. Make it worthwhile.
#3 – Eat Healthy
The foods that you choose are the fuel you are providing your body, so it would then make sense that improving the quality of the fuel will improve your overall performance. Focus on making good nutritional choices, steering clear from sugar and fat filled, preservative packed foods.
#4 – Tie Up Loose Ends
There is no avoiding the fact that we are all going to face challenges, struggles, and disappointments in our lives. However, holding onto the negative feelings that come from these experiences will only compound the problem. Take the time to tie up loose ends and put the past in the past.
#5 – Agree to Disagree
There are going to be times in life that you aren’t going to see eye to eye with everyone you meet. You could continue to argue, but there is nothing to be gained by anyone involved. Instead, learn to accept that you don’t have to win every argument. Agree to disagree and move on with your day.
#6 – Embrace Change
We can spend all day planning out and preparing for the life in front of us, but life is never that cut and dry. Instead, the people who are truly successful are those that learn to embrace change and all that it has to offer.
#7 – Make Other People Happy
Rather than just focusing on your own happiness, take the time to consider the emotional state of everyone else that you make. Make an effort to make at least 3 people smile every day.
#8 – Create Meaningful Relationships
The people in your life are your support system. When life is going well, they are the people who you want to celebrate with, and when you face challenges and struggles they are the people who will stand by your side, offering you their strength. Don’t underestimate the importance this will play in your life. Put the time and effort into building meaningful relationships that will stay with you over time.
#9 – Stop Comparing
One of the worst mistakes that many of us make on a regular basis is the act of comparing ourselves to others. We waste an incredible amount of time and energy setting ourselves up to disappointed as we are often comparing our struggles to the happiness and accomplishments of those that we meet.
#10 – Let Go of Fear
Our fears serve an important purpose, helping to keep us out of unsafe situations, however, if they are allowed to grow and fester in our minds, they can begin to control our every action. Learn to let go of your fears and face the world head-on, and you will be rewarded for it.
#11 – Silence
Scientists have discovered that the simple act of being in silence can have incredible benefits for your overall health and well-being – relieving stress and reducing tension.
#12 – Trust Your Gut
Your intuition can be an incredibly powerful tool to help guide you in the direction of a fulfilled and meaningful life. Unfortunately, many of us underestimate this gift. Learn to not only listen to but trust your gut. It can help you avoid heartache and steer you towards true happiness.
#13 – No Regrets
The past is behind us and out of our control. While we may be tempted to focus our attention on the things that we wish we could change, this would be an act of futility. Free yourself from this trap by letting go of past hurt and focusing on the here and now.
#14 – Prioritize Self Care
While it is important to care for and sympathize with others, don’t forget to dedicate some of your time and energy to your own personal well-being. Take time to do the things that will help you to heal, recharge and prepare yourself to face another day.
#15 – Protect Your Personal Energy
You have control over the energy that you welcome into your life. Don’t waste your time engaging in negative activities like gossip, judgment or negative thinking. Instead, choose to fill your life with positive energy, and you will reap the benefits.
#16 – Put Down Electronics
While our modern technology and the electronics in our lives have offered us an incredible wealth of information at our fingertips, they can also take a toll on our mental health. Take some time each day where you put down your phone, shut off your laptop and just experience life.
#17 – Accept Life
Life is like a roller coaster, full of highs and lows. The best thing that you can do in order to be truly happy is to accept life as it is, with all that it has to offer. Embrace the good and the bad and know that it all works together to lead you along your personal path.
#18 – Let Go of the Opinions of Others
Everyone has an opinion, but not everyone’s opinion needs to have an impact on your life. Learn to let go of the thoughts, views, and opinions of those around you, focusing instead on doing what brings you happiness, and what fits your personal moral code.
#19 – Step Out of Your Comfort Zone
You will never grow and evolve as a person unless you push yourself to step out of your comfort zone and face the unknown. It may be uncomfortable, but you will thank yourself for it in the long run.
#20 – Take Walks
They don’t to be long or extravagant, but a simple 10 min walk each day out in the great outdoors can do wonders for your mental and emotional health. Strapped for time? Take part of your lunch break at the office and head out around the block or start your day with a short stroll.
#21 – Offer Help
Unknown to many, one of the quickest routes to success and a better life is actually to lift up and help the people we encounter in our lives. Don’t get too caught up in your own challenges – be a helping hand and a source of support to others.
#22 – Practice Gratitude
Rather than focusing your attention solely on the negative things in your life, take some time every day to step back and identify the many gifts you have in this life to be grateful for. It will teach you to view your life in an incredibly different light.
#23 – Banish Hatred
Hatred only begets hatred, and you don’t need that negativity in your life. Make the conscious choice not to hate others, and free yourself from their negative energy by letting go of any hatred directed your way. You can’t choose how they feel, but you can choose how you react.
#24 – Free Yourself from Jealousy
Jealousy will bring you nothing but pain, upset and heartache. Rather than allowing this negative influence to slowly eat away at your mental and emotional health, break free from your jealousy.
#25 – Learn to Relax
We live in an incredibly high-pace and stressful world, and that stress can add up. Avoid taking life too seriously and carve time into your busy schedule to relax from time to time. It’s important for your overall health and well-being.