For many people, happiness is the only true measure of personal success. Making other people happy is the highest expression of success, but it's almost impossible to make others happy if you’re not happy yourself.
With that in mind, there are nine small changes that I can make to my daily routine that would increase happiness in my life. The following 9 habits are for me to keep in mind:
If there's any big truth about life, it's that it usually lives up to (or down
to) your expectations. Therefore, when you rise from bed, make your first
thought: "something wonderful is going to happen today." Guess what?
You're probably right.
I'm not talking about a formal, wrapped-up present. Your gift can be your
smile, a word of thanks or encouragement, a gesture of politeness, even a
friendly nod.
Arguments about politics and religion never have a "right" answer but
they definitely get people all riled up over things they can't control. When
such topics surface, bow out with a polite excuse.
5. Assume people have good intentions.
Since I can't read minds, I don't really know the "why" behind
the "what" that people do. Imputing evil motives to other people's
weird behaviors adds extra misery to life, while assuming good intentions
leaves me open to reconciliation.
6. Eat high quality food slowly.
Sometimes we can't avoid scarfing something quick to keep us up and running.
Even so, at least once a day try to eat something really delicious, like a
small chunk of fine cheese or an imported chocolate. Focus on it; taste it;
savor it.
7. Let go of your results.
The big enemy of happiness is worry, which comes from focusing on events that
are outside your control. Once you've taken action, there's usually nothing
more you can do. Focus on the job at hand rather than some weird fantasy of
what might happen.
8. Turn off "background" TV.
Many households leave their TVs on as "background noise" while
they're doing other things. The entire point of broadcast TV is to make you
dissatisfied with your life so that you'll buy more stuff. Why subliminally
program yourself to be a mindless consumer?
9. End each day with gratitude.
Just before you go to bed, write down at least one wonderful thing that
happened. It might be something as small as a making a child laugh or something
as huge as a million dollar deal. Whatever it is; be grateful for that day
because it will never come again.