How Can You Be Happier?
What makes a person a happy person? Would you say it is genetics? money? circumstances? other people? attitude? Some people would say it is circumstances – “I would be happy if…. I had more money… I had a better job….I lived somewhere else…” However, the reality is, people who think like this are often still not happy once circumstances change. Unlike many other things, attitude is something that is pretty much totally under your own control. Despite circumstances, you can control your attitude.
There is a proverb that states: “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit saps one’s strength” Having a negative attitude can “sap your strength”, and leave you feeling tired and miserable. In contrast, although developing a positive attitude can take effort in the beginning, once you have changed your way of thinking, it will give you a “joyful heart”. Being joyful or happy doesn’t necessarily mean laughing and smiling all the time – being truly happy is having an inner sense of contentment and happiness that is not dependant on external circumstances. One person could be a millionaire and live on a paradise island in luxury, but not be happy – and someone else could have nothing, sitting in a prison cell, and actually be happy on the inside.
Here are three basic things that you can do that can help you change your attitude – of course, there are many other things too, but these would be a good start!
- Avoid being a pessimistic person. If you always think of situations and people in a negative way, it will eventually drain you of energy and have a negative effect on you.
- Focus on things that are positive. Filling your mind with music and reading material that is positive and upbuilding can help you to focus. Also, trying to be around other positive people will help. At the end of every day, make a list of things that you are thankful for, even the little things.
- Do things for other people. You have probably heard the saying, “There is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving.” When you reach out to help other people, it brings a great sense of satisfaction and wellbeing.
Yes, attitude makes a difference!
