Describing happiness to someone is pretty much impossible. We all require different things in order to be happy, but one thing is true: we each have to take responsibility for our own happiness. It’s important to recognize the bad habits and the patterns we have that aren’t healthy. Being aware is the first step towards change. If you want to take control and stop sabotaging your chance at happiness, here’s what to do.
Be willing to ask for help
Admitting you need help is hard, but once you accept that you’re only human and there’s no shame in not being perfect, it becomes a lot easier. There are people who care about you who want to be there for you—so why not swallow your pride a little bit and accept their help? Not only will it bring you closer to those people, but it could change your life.
Having the strength to take care of yourself is important, but that doesn’t mean never asking for help. We all need support, and it could be argued that it takes just as much strength to admit when you’re struggling and to ask for help, as it does to just take care of everything on your own. You aren’t alone, so why act like it?
Figure out what you really want
Logically, it makes sense that you have to know what you want in order to get it, right? Unfortunately, a lot of the time that’s easier said than done. That’s why it’s worth putting some real thought into what you truly want and what will make you happy. Then, you can figure out what you need to do to reach your goals, whatever they might be.
Also, know that goals can change and it’s okay to change your mind. Life is unpredictable, so cut yourself some slack and work on being self aware enough to adjust your path if you need to.
Learn to love yourself first
Many people think being in a relationship, having a lot of friends, or being well liked will make them happy. In reality, it’s rarely that simple. Relying on what other people think of you to inform your own self worth is a slippery slope because you cannot control other people’s perceptions. Not everyone you meet is going to like you, that’s just a fact. But if you’re still confident and proud of who you are, it doesn’t have to matter. Love yourself first, and the people who matter will follow suit.
Putting other’s needs before your own is an admirable quality. However, if you aren’t taking care of your own needs, you won’t have the strength you need to support other people. So, make sure you’re taken care of, then see what you can do for the rest of the world.
Live within your means
Money is a huge source of stress for millions of people. It’s why we work 40+ hours a week—so we can pay our bills, keep up with inflation, save for the future, and have some left over to go on the occasional vacation or splurge on that designer purse we’ve been eyeing. No matter how much money you make, it’s important to keep your finances in check. Don’t spend money that you don’t have and be sure to have a plan to pay down your debts. We all go through rough times, but having a plan can help you get through it. Don’t make things worse by letting how much money you have define you.
Don’t let anyone control you
The only person who knows what you need to be happy is you. Don’t waste time on people who don’t have your best interests at heart and don’t let anyone else dictate what you should be doing with your life. They aren’t the ones who have to live it— you are. You’ll be surprised how happy you will be when you live life on your own terms.
