Habits for Happiness

In his recent article on Inc.com, Geoffrey James highlights 9 habits that increase personal happiness. I would like to share three of these habits that ring absolutely true to me, in hopes that they can increase the happiness in your life.

1. Assume People Have Good Intentions Constant thoughts of cynicism can be a dreadful way to endure life. Although there are circumstances that call for doubting someone's intentions, try your best to assume that people mean to do well. By doing so, your outlook on life will be positive, and in turn you will experience more happiness on a daily basis.

2. Take Time to Plan and Prioritize Stress is something that everyone must deal with. What some people forget is that stress can be dealt with and managed through planning and preparation. By taking a little time each day to map out your next 24 or 48 hours, you can alleviate yourself from stress by knowing what needs to be done and when. Once you have a plan, don't waste time worrying about the things you cannot control. Stay focused on what you can do, and leave the rest to those who have control of the situation. By doing so, you will lessen the stress load, and in turn be a happier individual.

3. Start Each Day with an Expectation Having a goal every day is a must. By creating a goal, and accomplishing tasks to achieve this goal, you develop a sense of gratification at the end of the day. Whether the task is small or large, this feeling of gratification that comes from knowing you did what you said you would do is enlightening, and makes each day a success.

If we aren't happy, we will never be successful. Make sure the habits in your life are enriching and add to the happiness you experience everyday. Try mixing in some of the habits mentioned above; they may be helpful in breaking out of old habits that aren't so beneficial to your personal happiness levels. At the end of the day, a happy person is a productive person.