"Be happy not because everything is good, but because you can see the good in everything." If you're struggling with finding happiness within yourself, or just need some reassurance that you have what it takes, here are some simple steps to seeing the good from every angle and creating a zest for your own life.
Do things you enjoy.
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As I am sure you have learned, the less you enjoy doing something, the harder it will be for you to succeed in that field. No any two people are the same, nor should their paths be. If you love art, music, math, fitness or science, try to devote your time to that passion. By fostering your talents and the things you enjoy doing, you will allow success to find you, instead of the other way around.
Set realistic goals for yourself.
Nothing breeds frustration like disappointment. Don’t fall victim to creating standards so high, you can never meet them. Instead take every day one at a time, sequencing your life into achievable milestones. Instead of pressuring yourself to win the Olympics, tell yourself that today you will train as hard as you can to beat your latest time and tomorrow, even faster.
Only compare yourself to yourself.
Which brings us to this vital point. With social media like Instagram being constantly refreshed from your mobile device, you are bound to see yourself lusting over someone else’s perfect body, expensive items or recent achievements. But that person isn’t you, like I said, you are probably not in the same position as them and comparing yourself to someone else is impractical. By focusing on improving yourself you can tell yourself you will study harder and this time do a whole grade better on the next exam instead of comparing yourself to that one student who set the curve.
Surround yourself with people who elevate your spirit.
There is an old proverb that translates to, “Tell me who your friends are, and I’ll tell you who you are.” If you want to be happy you should make an effort to hang out with friends that respect you as a person, allow you to be yourself and help you pursue your goals whenever possible. Fire spreads faster than you can imagine and allowing a negative person to get to close to you can quickly ruin your plans. Instead, make sure to give your time to those that make you feel good in their presence, that bring out the best in you.
Try new things.
“You’ll never know if you don’t try,” is an old, but true saying. Allow yourself to have an open minded, listen to others and their ideas, try things you never have before whether it be a new restaurant or a skydiving trip, make sure to give yourself lots of opportunities for happiness. No good can come from closing doors, instead be spontaneous sometimes and go forth with something new
Find a positive role model for yourself.
Sometimes we have big dreams, great goals and good friends. However, sometimes things are so trying they may discourage you. Find yourself a role model, someone who has achieved similar achievements as you hope to and then use them as an example. You do not need to copy them or become the same as them, but listening to the advice of someone who has conquered mountains you are currently trying to climb can make a huge difference for the better.
Volunteer for a worthy cause.
Finally, I believe that nothing can be better than happiness that is shared with those who need it the most. By helping others and doing a good deed for people that will appreciate it so much can really change your whole outlook on life. Volunteering can help increase your self-confidence and satisfaction with life, giving you a sense of purpose, a sense that you can make a significant difference. To know that you have made an impact on someone, whether for that day or for their life, means that you have contributed positivity in the lives of people that need it most. You have added happiness to this world, and there can be nothing more beautiful than that.