It's safe to say that happiness is something pretty much everyone hopes to achieve someday. Sometimes happiness is just about tailoring your attitude to your emotional goals.

Here are 12 things that happy people do differently.

1. Express gratitude

When you appreciate what you have, what you have will appreciate in value.

2. Perform random acts of kindness

One of the most powerful ways to feel good about yourself is to help someone else and be selfless.

3. Remain optimistic

When you choose to be optimistic about the world, it becomes a realm of endless opportunities even in the worst of times.

4. Nurture social relationships

Deep and meaningful relationships are important to having a healthy, well-rounded emotional self.

5. Commit to goals

Until we commit ourselves to our goals, whether that be physical or emotional goals, we cannot grow or get anywhere.

6. Avoid social comparison

When you compare yourself to others, it poisons your mind. The only person you should compare yourself to now is the person you used to be.

7. Forgive others

Harboring hatred does nothing to the other person and everything to ourselves. Hatred will burn up all your energy and in most instances can ruin your ability to remain happy. Finding closure is important to one's emotional well-being.

8. Take responsibility for their actions

No, happy people are by no means perfect, but it's being aware of your imperfections that help you have inner balance. Admit to your faults and recognize where you went wrong. Work on improving yourself for the better.

9. Keep good company

It is true that we become who we surround ourselves with. If you allow yourself to be surrounded by negative, nonsupporting people, then you will never be truly happy.

10. Invite challenges

View challenges in your life as new opportunities to learn and grow. Turn negatives into positives instead of dwelling on the bad in situations.

11. Live in the present

Unhappy people dwell on the past and the future. To be happy with our lives we must learn to live in the moment. Be grateful for what you have now and live your life to the fullest.

12. Honest with others, and themselves

Even when the truth hurts, remain honest, and expect the same in return from others.