There’s a clear distinction between just getting through life and truly enjoying it.

It really boils down to perspective. Some people just go through the motions, while others seem to have a special knack for savoring the little moments.

Those who are genuinely happy in life often have a different approach. They choose to do things differently, which brings them joy and satisfaction.

In this article, we’re going to explore these unique habits. These are the 8 things that genuinely happy people tend to do differently. So, if you’re ready to add a little more happiness to your life, keep reading.

1) Embrace positivity

The truly happy people in life seem to have a knack for focusing on the positive.

This isn’t to say they ignore life’s challenges or pretend everything is always perfect. It’s about perspective. They choose to see the glass as half-full, rather than half-empty.

It’s an approach that’s all about optimism and positivity. When faced with various scenarios, they have a tendency to lean towards hope and to find the silver linings, no matter how small.

Think about it. Positivity breeds happiness. It’s that simple yet profound understanding that every cloud has a silver lining.

So, if you’re wondering why some people seem to be genuinely happier than others, it might be worth considering their perspective. Do they embrace positivity more than you do?

Remember, this isn’t about pretending or being naively optimistic. It’s about genuinely embracing positivity in our everyday lives. And that’s something we can all choose to do.

2) Practice gratitude

Another thing that genuinely happy people tend to do differently is practice gratitude. And I can vouch for this from personal experience.

I started keeping a gratitude journal a few years back. Every night before bed, I would jot down three things I was grateful for that day. It could be something as simple as a good cup of coffee or something bigger, like a promotion at work.

At first, it felt a bit odd, almost forced. But over time, it became a habit. And I started noticing changes in my perspective. I was more appreciative of the little things in life and found myself complaining less.

What’s more, on tough days when things didn’t go as planned, flipping through my gratitude journal reminded me of all the good in my life. It helped shift my focus from what was wrong to what was right.

This simple practice of gratitude made me feel happier and more content. And it turns out, I’m not alone in this. Many genuinely happy people make it a point to regularly acknowledge and appreciate the good in their lives. It’s a habit worth adopting if you’re aiming for genuine happiness.

3) Prioritize relationships

It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life and lose sight of what truly matters. But genuinely happy people know the value of relationships and make it a priority to nurture them.

The Harvard Study of Adult Development, one of the longest-running studies of adult life, found that close relationships are what keep people happy throughout their lives. These connections to family, friends, and community provide more than just emotional support; they influence our long-term health in ways just as powerful as adequate sleep, a good diet, and not smoking.

Whether it’s taking time out of a busy schedule to catch up with an old friend, or spending quality time with family, happy people understand that these moments are not just nice to have, but essential for their well-being.

So, if you’re looking to boost your happiness quotient, consider investing more time and energy into your relationships. It might just be the key to a happier, healthier life.

4) Engage in activities they love

Genuinely happy people understand the importance of spending time doing what they love. It could be a hobby, a passion project, or even their profession.

They know that happiness isn’t just about big, life-changing moments. It’s also about the small, everyday things that bring joy, like painting, gardening, playing a musical instrument, or simply reading a good book.

These activities provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment that contributes significantly to their overall happiness. It’s not just about killing time or keeping busy. It’s about doing something that sparks joy and feeds their soul.

So if you’re wondering how to be genuinely happier in life, consider this: Are you spending enough time doing what you love? If not, it might be time to revisit your passions and make them a part of your routine.

5) Show kindness to others

Genuinely happy people often have a deep understanding of the value of kindness. They recognize that every act of kindness, no matter how small, not only benefits the recipient but also brings joy to the giver.

It’s not just about grand gestures. It’s the everyday acts of kindness – holding the door open for someone, offering a helping hand, or even just a warm smile. These gestures radiate positivity and create an environment of goodwill and happiness.

Being kind to others fosters a sense of connection and community, which is vital for our emotional well-being. It also reminds us of our shared humanity and can bring a warm sense of satisfaction and happiness.

So if you’re striving to be happier in life, try sprinkling a little more kindness into your daily interactions. The joy you’ll get from it might surprise you.

6) Embrace self-care

For a long time, I used to think that being busy was a sign of success. I would fill my schedule with tasks, meetings, and chores, leaving little time for myself. Over time, I realized that this constant state of busyness was taking a toll on my health and happiness.

Genuinely happy people understand the importance of self-care. They know that to take care of others, they first need to take care of themselves. They make it a point to prioritize their physical and mental well-being.

This could mean different things for different people. For some, it’s a long walk in nature. For others, it’s a quiet evening with a good book. Or it could be as simple as a healthy diet and regular exercise.

The key here is mindfulness and intentionality. It’s about making conscious choices that contribute to your overall well-being. It’s about respecting your body’s limits and understanding that it’s okay to take a break when you need one.

So remember, make time for self-care. You’re worth it.

7) Cultivate resilience

Life is full of ups and downs. But genuinely happy people have a knack for bouncing back from adversity. They understand that setbacks and challenges are a part of life, not deviations from it.

Resilience doesn’t mean avoiding or denying the difficulties. Instead, it’s about acknowledging them, learning from them, and then moving forward.

It’s about maintaining a positive outlook and staying committed to your goals, even in the face of adversity. It’s about being flexible and adaptable, knowing when to persist and when to change course.

By cultivating resilience, genuinely happy people equip themselves with the ability to navigate life’s challenges effectively and emerge stronger on the other side. And this ability significantly contributes to their overall happiness.

So if you want to be genuinely happier in life, consider working on your resilience. It might not be easy, but it’s definitely worth it.

8) Live in the present moment

Finally, genuinely happy people understand the importance of being present. They know that true joy is found in the here and now, not in the past or the future.

They don’t dwell on past mistakes or worry about future uncertainties. Instead, they focus on enjoying and appreciating the present moment.

This doesn’t mean they don’t plan for the future or learn from the past. But they don’t let these thoughts consume them to the extent that they miss out on the joy of living in the present.

Being present allows them to fully engage with life, to savor each moment, and to live life more fully. And this contributes significantly to their overall happiness.

Living in the present is a skill, one that takes time and practice to develop. But it’s a skill worth cultivating if you want to experience genuine happiness in life.

Reflection: It’s a choice

When we delve into the lives of genuinely happy people, we find patterns, habits, and attitudes that set them apart. But perhaps the most profound realization is this: happiness is a choice.

It’s the choice to embrace positivity, to practice gratitude, to prioritize relationships, and to engage in activities they love. It’s the choice to be kind, to take care of themselves, to cultivate resilience, and to live in the present moment.

This isn’t about ignoring life’s challenges or pretending everything is perfect. It’s about choosing how to respond to life’s ups and downs.

As Abraham Lincoln once said, “Most folks are as happy as they make up their minds to be.” And while circumstances can certainly influence our mood, our overall happiness largely depends on our choices and attitudes.

As we reflect on these eight habits of genuinely happy people, let’s remember that we all have the power to choose happiness. It may not always be easy, but it’s always possible. And that’s something worth striving for.