What is the ultimate goal that most people hope to achieve in their lifetime? Chances are your answer is happiness. Although everyone aspires for happiness in their lives, many see it as an emotion, which can be fleeting and based on a specific event or circumstance. For instance, when someone asks you to describe a time when you were happy, you usually tend to recall a moment celebrating something like a wedding or a birthday or when you are with your friends and family. You generally limit your response to specific events or experiences, which suggests that happiness can only be created by things, people, or occasions. In reality, happiness is a state of mind that can be achieved by simply choosing to be happy.
Contrary to being just a mood, happiness relates to how we feel on the inside. In the words of biochemist-turned Buddhist monk Matthieu Ricard, “Happiness is a deep sense of flourishing, not a mere pleasurable feeling or fleeting emotion but an optimal state of being.” What’s important to understand is that happiness lies in fostering a positive state of mind. And to create positivity in your life, you need to build your thoughts around values such as joy, gratitude, and confidence.
Here is how you can reframe your outlook in life to achieve a happy and positive state of mind.
Always focus on the positive
There is no such thing as a perfect life, and you are going to encounter both opportunities and obstacles in equal measure. When you face a challenge, pay attention to the positive aspects no matter how insignificant they may seem. For example, if you get stuck in traffic, instead of seeing it as a waste of time, listen to your favourite songs. Similarly, when run out of a food item you want to cook, relish the joy of trying your hand at something new. When you choose to focus on the positive side of things, you achieve happiness.
Developing a feeling of gratitude also helps in creating a happy state of mind. Before going to bed, spend a few minutes thinking about the things you are grateful for. Write them down in your journal. Do this exercise for a month, and your brain will start focusing on the positive aspects of your life. The brain starts producing endorphins that result in feeling happy and energised. You can also choose a positive mantra for each day. Repeat positive affirmations such as, “I believe in myself” or “I am grateful for what I have.” You’ll be amazed at how good you will feel at the end of the day.
Increase creativity
Creativity can be anything that invigorates you and offers a pure moment of joy. Each individual can identify something that they enjoy doing or are interested to try. It could be photography, painting, playing the guitar, knitting, watching movies, or cooking—the list is endless. Research suggests that activities that spark creativity make us feel happy and satisfied because our brain releases dopamine or the “feel-good” hormone. However, we don’t often indulge in creativity because we devote our time and attention to more important things in our lives such as our career and family. We fail to realise that a creative outlet can give us far more joy than mundane activities and can make a significant impact on our lives. Engaging in creative ventures stimulates us to be more in tune with ourselves and ultimately makes us happier individuals.
Happiness is more than a fleeting emotion; it’s an optimal state of being. It relates to our inner feelings and can be achieved by cultivating a positive mindset.
Acknowledging positive aspects in both challenges and opportunities promotes happiness. Shifting your perspective toward gratitude and adopting positive mantras can lead to increased feelings of joy and contentment.
Engaging in creative activities releases dopamine, the “feel-good” hormone. Pursuing hobbies like photography, painting, or playing an instrument offers moments of pure joy and satisfaction, contributing to overall happiness.
Striving for perfection leads to disappointment. Accepting imperfections and embracing vulnerability helps foster self-acceptance and happiness. Learning to separate self-worth from unrealistic standards can lead to a more content life.
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