They say happiness is a state of mind.
Amongst the number of people I have interacted with, nobody wants to be sad and depressed.
We’ve all known that one person who is always happy, even while going through the worst phases of life.
Everybody has a different way of being happy. Some smoke their lives, some do photography, some travel, some make trolls of people they work with(if you are in my class, you know what I am talking about),some shop till they drop.
I just thought and borrowed a couple of ways by which being happy can become a habit.
1. Appreciate Life
My corporate governance teacher's mantra of life is that be thankful that you woke up alive each morning. There should be a sense of wonder towards life. Make the most of each day. Don’t take anything for granted. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Coming to the class and getting marked for your presence is just a way people survive,not live. Question everything. Curiosity kills the cat but doesn't stop her to get a thrill.
2. Choose Friends Wisely
My closest friends have probably the highest self esteems. By surrounding yourself with happy, positive people who share your values and goals, you make your life worth living. Those Friends that have the same ethics as you ,will encourage you to achieve your dreams. They help you to feel good about yourself. They are there to lend a helping hand when needed.(plus they accompany you to the newest eating spots and share the experiences..even if it's unhealthy)( yes,Richa and Ankita,I am talking about you both and Sahil too)
3. Be Considerate
This is something which Gurravi and Richa think. We should accept and respect others for who they are as well as where they are in life.. Touch their hearts with a kind and generous spirit. Help when you are able, without trying to change the other person. Try to brighten the day of everyone you come into contact with.
4. Learn Till you die
Find a hobby. We must try new and daring things that has sparked our interest. It can be anything such as dancing, skiing, learning music,reading or even bungee jumping.
5. Don't pity yourself
Don’t wallow in self-pity. As soon as you face a challenge ,get busy finding a solution. Don’t let the set backs affect your mood, instead see each new obstacle you face as an opportunity to make a positive change. Learn to trust your gut instincts – it’s almost always right. This is borrowed from my mom who believes let's not dwell on problems,let's find solutions.
6. Do What Thy Love
Can you imagine a finance guy developing a advertising idea or a marketing guy taking capital budgeting decisions? Everybody is not an all rounder like Farhan Akhtar who can act,sing,write,direct,produce,make music and dance at the same time.
Some statistics show that 80% of people dislike their jobs! No wonder there’s so many unhappy people running around. We spend a great deal of our life working. Choose a career that you enjoy – the extra money of a job you detest isn’t worth it. Make time to enjoy your hobbies and pursue special interests.
7. Enjoy Life
Take the time to see the beauty around you. There’s more to life than work. Take time to smell the roses, watch a sunset or sunrise with a loved one, take a walk along the seashore, hike in the woods etc. Learn to live in the present moment and cherish it. Don’t live in the past or the future. Sit in a car with your friend and listen to groovy songs on the radio and see people walk by.
8. Laugh
Don’t take yourself or life to seriously. You can find humor in just about any situation. Laugh at yourself. No one’s perfect. When appropriate laugh and make light of the circumstances. (Naturally there are times that you should be serious as it would be improper to laugh). Most of my class mates are really good at this.
9. Forgive
Holding a grudge will hurt no one but you. Forgive others for your own peace of mind. When you make a mistake – own up to it – learn from it – and FORGIVE yourself. This is my best friend Ishani telling me while watching how I met your mother when robin starts dating Barney.
10. Gratitude
Develop an attitude of gratitude. Count your blessings; All of them – even the things that seem trivial. Be grateful for your home, your work and most importantly your family and friends. Take the time to tell them that you are happy they are in your life.
11. Invest in Relationships
Always make sure your loved ones know you love them even in times of conflict. Nurture and grow your relationships with your family and friends by making the time to spend with them. Don’t break your promises to them. Be supportive. Direct quote from mom.
12. Keep Their Word
Honesty is the best policy. Every action and decision you make should be based on honesty. Be honest with yourself and with your loved ones. Sometimes people will call you names. Let them. It is only possible for them to make you feel small unless you allow them.
13. Meditate
Meditation gives your very active brain a rest. When it’s rested you will have more energy and function at a higher level. Types of meditation include yoga, hypnosis, relaxation tapes, affirmations, visualization or just sitting in complete silence. Find something you enjoy and make the time to practice daily. I tend to have a virtual sleep phase everyday where I don't literally sleep but I am actually sleeping.
14. Mind Their Own Business
Concentrate on creating your life the way you want it. Take care of you and your family. Don’t get overly concerned with what other people are doing or saying. Don’t get caught up with gossip or name calling. Don’t judge. Everyone has a right to live their own life the way they want to – including you. So the next time, somebody tells you that you are living the wrong way, smile and just start talking about bjp, congress and aap. It will distract them and anybody can comment on them.
15. Optimism
See the glass as half full. Find the positive side of any given situation. It’s there – even though it may be hard to find. Know that everything happens for a reason, even though you may never know what the reason is. Steer clear of negative thoughts. If a negative thought creeps in – replace it with a positive thought. The number of people who say this are Ankur, Gurrav, Tapsi, Sahil, Richa, Ankita, etc etc etc.
16. Love Unconditionally
Accept others for who they are. You don’t put limitations on your love. Even though you may not always like the actions of your loved ones – you continue to love them. This is what has been taught by all the classic writers.
17. Persistence
Never give up. Face each new challenge with the attitude that it will bring you one step closer to your goal. You will never fail, as long as you never give up. Focus on what you want, learn the required skills, make a plan to succeed and take action. We are always happiest while pursuing something of value to us.This is what dad says.
18. Be Proactive
The word 'proactive' has been used by my mom since I was in school. One day, I just asked what she meant by it. Trust me, till my sixth semester of Engineering, I had no idea what she meant by 'being proactive'.
This is what she told me. Accept what can not be changed. Happy people don’t waste energy on circumstances beyond their control. Accept your limitations as a human being. Determine how you can take control by creating the outcome you desire – rather than waiting to respond.This is what my mom says.
19. Self Care
Take care of your mind, body and health. Get regular medical check ups. Eat healthy and work out. Get plenty of rest. Drink lots of water. Exercise your mind by continually energizing it with interesting and exciting challenges. This point credits to Ankita Bhasin. She works outs everyday you see.
20. Self Confidence
Don’t try to be someone that you’re not. After all no one likes a phony. Determine who you are in the inside – your own personal likes and dislikes. Be confident in who you are. Do the best you can and don’t second guess yourself. My closest friends know who I am talking about here.
21. Take Responsibility
Happy people know and understand that they are 100% responsible for their life. They take responsibility for their moods, attitude, thoughts, feelings, actions and words. They are the first to admit when they’ve made a mistake.har
Begin today by taking responsibility for your happiness.
Most of all: BE TRUE TO YOURSELF.
