“People are as happy as they make up their minds to be.”– Abraham Lincoln
What is Character?
Character is defined in the midst of adversity and setbacks. It takes no special skill or discipline to enjoy life when things are going well. When you consciously make an effort to pay attention on what makes you happy and use the power of focus as a platform to meet and overcome your challenges; you will be successful in doing just that – being happy and peaceful.
You can easily empower yourself and others to be happy in the midst of life’s tough stuff – from unemployment and relationship issues to life threatening diagnoses and tragedies. I have asked thousands of people what they do to be happy and to find peace in the wake of chaos and calamity. Below are 8 of the most popular tips people have shared with me.
1. Focus on what you have; not what you lack
Most people tend to focus on what is wrong with their lives; not what is going right. Be grateful for all you have in pursuit of all that you wish to accomplish or overcome.
2. Hang out with upbeat and fun-loving people
Your environment determines who you are and who you become. If you spend time with negative people, you’ll become a negative person so when you spend time with positive and optimistic people, you’ll be positive and optimistic, no matter what you have to face.
3. Slow down and just “be”
Most people are NOT human beings; they are human doings. A Zen expression says:
“If you don’t go within; you’ll go without.” Slow down, meditate, or just find time to relax; especially in the midst of adversity. Stop doing… and just “be.”
4. Join a group of like-minded people… and play!
Do you play cards, swim, do yoga, pilates, bike rides, read, play chess, garden, cook, play golf or shuffle board, walk, or ceramics? Go out and play!
5. Do something nice for a stranger
When you tell a stranger she looks nice or he does a good job cleaning tables in the food court, not only will they feel great, you’ll feel greater. When you pay compliments to others on a regular basis, you will get more joy and peace in your life. Remember, what goes around comes around.
6. Set one exciting goal every day
Whether your goal is to enjoy some ice cream, take a brisk walk, catch-up with someone you haven’t spoken to recently, or just read a good book – set one simple goal a day that is exclusively for you and your well-being.
7. Learn something new everyday
Children are the happiest beings in the world. Ever wonder why? Simply because they are always learning and creating. When you stop learning, you stop growing and when you stop growing, happiness is nearly unattainable.
8. Don’t judge
Evaluate and observe – yes. Judge – no, never. Set expectations and goals for yourself, and live up to them. When you judge others (and yourself) negatively, resentment, anger, and destructive emotions run rampant – and happiness and peace-of-mind are impossible.
Be happy… and pay it forward !