Happiness is a journey, not a destination. Contentment isn’t about grand gestures or massive lifestyle changes. It’s about the little habits we practice every day.

According to psychology, there are specific daily practices that can make you more content. They’re not as hard to incorporate into your life as you might think.

I’m here to share with you 8 of these habits that can change your perspective and make your everyday life a bit brighter.

It’s about time we all found a little more contentment in our days, in this chaotic world we are in!

1) Embrace change

Life is a series of ups and downs, twists and turns. Change is inevitable, and sometimes, it’s downright scary.

However, psychology suggests that one of the key habits to being more content every day is embracing change. It’s about accepting that things don’t always stay the same, and that’s okay.

Rather than resisting changes, we should see them as opportunities for growth and self-improvement. Each change brings with it a chance to navigate your way towards a more fulfilling life.

Think about it—change means you’re alive, you’re evolving. And that’s something to be grateful for.

Remember, the more open you are to life’s ebbs and flows, the more contentment you’ll find in your everyday life. So why not start today? Embrace change, embrace life.

2) Understand yourself and your core values

As the great philosopher Socrates once said, “To know thyself is the beginning of wisdom.” It’s a phrase I’ve found to be incredibly true in my journey through life.

Understanding who you are and what you truly value is a crucial step towards contentment. It’s like having a compass that guides your decisions, your actions, and ultimately, your happiness.

Part of my work involves helping people explore their core values. It’s something I’m passionate about because I’ve seen the profound impact it can have on a person’s life. In fact, I’ve created a special Defining Your Values Exercise that can guide you through this self-discovery process.

When you truly understand yourself, you stop comparing your life to others. You start living authentically, aligned with what matters most to you. And believe me, there’s no greater source of contentment than that.

So take some time to get to know yourself better. Your future self will thank you for it.

3) Set meaningful goals

Let’s be honest, we’ve all set goals that we’ve never achieved. Maybe they were too ambitious, or perhaps they didn’t truly resonate with us.

According to psychology, for us to be content, we need to set meaningful goals. These are goals that align with our values and have a significant impact on our lives. They’re not about impressing others or meeting societal expectations. They’re about fulfilling our own unique purpose.

The truth is, when our goals are deeply meaningful, they become less of a chore and more of a passion. They propel us forward, giving us a sense of direction and purpose.

So, it’s time to reflect on your aspirations. Are they truly meaningful to you? If not, it might be time to reset and refocus your sights on what genuinely matters in your life. Your contentment depends on it.

4) Steer your own ship

Many of us spend our lives trying to meet the expectations of others – parents, friends, society. We follow paths that aren’t truly ours, and wonder why contentment eludes us.

Your life’s direction is in your hands. It’s up to you to steer it towards what brings you joy, fulfillment, and contentment.

Psychology tells us that taking charge of our own lives is empowering. It gives us a sense of control and autonomy, which are key factors in our overall wellbeing.

So stop trying to navigate according to someone else’s compass. Chart your own course. Embrace your power to shape your life’s journey. You’ll find that contentment isn’t as elusive as it once seemed.

5) Journal your journey

Journaling is more than just writing down your thoughts. It’s a tool for self-discovery, a pathway to understanding yourself on a deeper level.

In my course, Reset Your Life Compass, I emphasize the importance of journaling in living a fulfilling life. It allows you to reflect on your experiences, emotions, and thoughts. It’s like having a personal conversation with your inner self.

Writing in a journal can help you identify patterns, celebrate wins, and tackle challenges. It can also be a safe space to dream, plan, and set meaningful goals for your life.

When you start putting your thoughts and feelings on paper, you’ll start to notice a shift. You’ll become more attuned to your needs and desires, leading to greater contentment in your everyday life.

So grab a notebook and a pen, and start journaling your journey. You’ll be amazed at the insights you uncover.

6) Change your habits, change your life

We are creatures of habit, aren’t we? Our lives are a series of routines, some good, some not so good.

But here’s the thing – our habits shape our lives more than we realize. They determine our health, happiness, and overall contentment.

Psychology suggests that successfully changing one small habit can create a ripple effect, leading to significant improvements in different areas of our life.

Maybe it’s deciding to read a book for 15 minutes a day instead of scrolling through social media. Or choosing to walk daily to improve both physical and mental health.

Remember, small changes can make a big difference. So identify a habit you’d like to change and start today. It might be challenging in the beginning, but with persistence, you’ll see your life transform in ways you never imagined.

7) Find your purpose

The author Mark Twain once said, “The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.” This quote resonates deeply because, let’s face it, we all yearn to live a life filled with meaning and purpose.

Living a purpose-driven life isn’t about chasing success or acquiring material possessions. It’s about making a positive impact, using our unique skills and passions to contribute to the world in our own little way.

Without a sense of purpose, we can feel lost, like we’re just going through the motions. But when we find it — our ‘why’ — everything changes. We wake up every day with a sense of direction, motivated to make a difference.

So how do you find your purpose? I’ve shared some tips in this video on finding your purpose in life. It’s an honest conversation about discovering what truly matters to you, and aligning your life with it.

Remember, your purpose is unique to you. Don’t compare it with anyone else’s. This is your journey, and trusting that journey brings contentment.

8) Dare to be different

In a world that often encourages conformity, choosing to live authentically can feel like swimming against the current. But here’s a counterintuitive truth: The path to contentment lies in embracing our unique selves.

Living authentically means staying true to who we are, what we believe in, and what we value most. It’s about expressing ourselves honestly and not being afraid to stand out.

Yes, it can be challenging, especially when society expects us to fit into certain boxes. But the reward is a life filled with contentment because you’re living on your own terms.

So dare to be different. Break free from the expectations of others and live a life that truly reflects who you are. Because at the end of the day, authenticity is the key to contentment.

There you have it, eight habits that can guide you towards a more content life.

It’s important to remember that contentment isn’t something you achieve overnight. It’s a journey, a series of small steps that lead to a richer, more fulfilling life.

I encourage you to explore these habits and see how they can impact your daily life. And remember, it’s okay to seek help along the way. My course, Reset Your Life Compass, is designed to help you navigate your journey towards a more content and authentic life.

So go ahead, start your journey today. After all, a more content life is within your reach.