Living your happiest life isn’t just about luck or good fortune, it’s about choice. As Jeanette Brown, creator of “A Toolkit for Building a Happier Life in a Messy World” and a Life Transition coach, I can tell you that it’s about making intentional decisions every day.

I’ve spent years uncovering the secrets to living a truly joyful life. And it’s not as complex as you might think! 

In this article, I’m going to share these secrets with you, in a way that empowers you to make your own choices. After all, true happiness comes from within, and only you can choose to unlock it.

So are you ready to discover the eight secrets to your happiest life? Let’s dive right in.

1) Embrace change

Change is a constant in life, and yet so many of us resist it. But the truth is, the ability to navigate change is fundamental to creating your happiest life.

Ask any successful person, and they’ll tell you – it’s not about avoiding change, but rather learning how to adapt and thrive in it. Remember, every time you step out of your comfort zone, you’re opening up new opportunities for happiness and fulfillment.

This isn’t just my perspective as a Life Transition coach; it’s a proven fact. Studies have shown that those who embrace change are often happier, healthier, and more successful than those who resist it.

So, the first secret to your happiest life? Embrace change. Don’t fear it or avoid it. Instead, see it as the pathway to a more fulfilling life. Yes, it can be challenging at times. But trust me, the rewards are worth it.

Remember, every change – big or small – is a step closer to your happiest life. So don’t shy away from it; instead, face it head-on with optimism and courage.

2) Understand yourself and your core values

If change is the vehicle that carries us through life, then understanding oneself is the compass that guides us. As Socrates famously said, “To know thyself is the beginning of wisdom.”

I couldn’t agree more. In my eBook, A Toolkit for Building a Happier Life in a Messy World, I delve deeply into the importance of self-understanding and awareness.

Knowing your core values, what drives you, what brings you joy – these are all critical aspects of living your happiest life. They shape our decisions, guide our actions, and ultimately determine our level of satisfaction with life.

Let me share a personal example. One of my core values is authenticity. I strive to be genuine in everything I do. This value guides my actions and decisions every day. And because I’m living in alignment with my core value, I feel fulfilled and happy.

So take the time to understand yourself and identify your core values. Not only will this lead to greater self-awareness and wisdom, but it will also pave the way for a happier, more fulfilling life.

3) Set meaningful goals

Now, this might sound a bit harsh, but it’s the truth – if you’re drifting through life without clear, meaningful goals, then you’re setting yourself up for dissatisfaction.

Why? Because goals give us direction. They provide a sense of purpose, a roadmap to follow. Without them, life can feel aimless and disconnected, like we’re just going through the motions.

But here’s the key – your goals need to be meaningful to you. It’s not about what society dictates or what your parents desire for you. It’s about what makes you feel alive, what gives you a sense of purpose.

Too many people set goals based on external pressures – and then wonder why they feel empty when they achieve them. This isn’t the path to happiness.

So take some time to reflect on what truly matters to you. What are your passions? What do you want to achieve in life? Once you’ve identified these, set meaningful goals around them. And don’t just set them – pursue them with everything you’ve got.

Believe me, there’s nothing more fulfilling than working towards a goal that genuinely resonates with you. That’s a secret to happiness that’s often overlooked, but it’s one of the most potent ones out there.

4) Steer your own life

This might be a tough pill to swallow, but it’s the raw truth – only you are in charge of your happiness.

Many people fall into the trap of letting others steer their life. They let external factors, whether it’s other people’s opinions, societal norms, or even life circumstances, dictate their path. And that’s a recipe for discontent.

The reality is, you hold the steering wheel of your life. You get to decide your direction, your pace, and your destination. You get to pick the roads you want to take and the ones you want to avoid.

Sure, there will be obstacles and detours along the way. Life isn’t always smooth sailing. But remember, every challenge is an opportunity for growth and learning.

So take charge. Be proactive in creating the life you want and deserve. Don’t wait for things to happen; make them happen.

Steering your own life might feel daunting at times, but it’s also empowering and liberating. And it’s a vital part of living your happiest life.

5) Journal your journey

Here’s a tool I can’t recommend enough – journaling. It might seem simple, but journaling can have a profound impact on your journey to a happier life.

Through journaling, you can gain clarity about your feelings and thoughts, understand yourself better, and track your progress towards your goals. It’s a powerful way to reflect on your experiences, celebrate your wins, and learn from your challenges.

In my eBook, A Toolkit for Building a Happier Life in a Messy World, I discuss in detail the benefits of journaling and how to make it an enriching part of your daily routine.

Remember, living a fulfilling life isn’t just about reaching the destination; it’s also about appreciating the journey. And journaling is one of the best ways to do that. So grab a pen and start writing your story – you might be surprised by what you discover along the way.

6) Change your habits

This might hit close to home, but it’s the truth – our habits play a massive role in our happiness. The things we consistently do, or don’t do, profoundly shape our lives.

Here’s the thing: we all have habits that serve us and habits that hinder us. And often, it’s the latter that keeps us from living our happiest life.

So if you’re serious about boosting your happiness, you need to take a hard look at your habits. Are they aligning with your goals and values? Are they bringing you closer to the life you want to live? If not, it’s time for a change.

Changing habits isn’t easy; I won’t sugarcoat it. But it’s not impossible either. With commitment, patience, and the right strategies, you can replace your limiting habits with empowering ones.

Remember, every small habit change you make brings you one step closer to your happiest life. So start today – because a better life is just a few habit changes away.

7) Find your purpose

A life without purpose can feel empty, no matter how much we achieve or accumulate. As the famous writer 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.”

Finding your purpose isn’t about chasing fame or fortune. It’s about discovering what truly lights you up, what makes you feel alive. It’s about aligning your life with something greater than yourself.

Finding your purpose can be a journey, and it can be challenging at times. But once you’ve found it, it can serve as a compass guiding you towards a life of fulfillment and happiness.

Remember, finding your purpose is not a one-time event but a continuous journey. So start today and take one step closer to a life filled with meaning and happiness.

8) Live authentically

Living a life that aligns with other people’s expectations, rather than your own authentic desires, is a surefire way to miss out on true happiness.

We live in a world that often encourages us to conform, to fit into neatly defined boxes. But here’s the thing: we’re not meant to be boxed in. We’re meant to be unique, authentic, and real.

Living authentically means honoring your true self – your values, passions, strengths, and quirks. It means making choices that reflect who you truly are, not who others want you to be.

Sounds counterintuitive? Maybe. But it’s also liberating. Because when you live authentically, you’re no longer bound by the constraints of societal expectations. Instead, you’re free to pursue your own path to happiness.

So don’t be afraid to show up as your authentic self. Because that’s where true happiness lies.

So there you have it – the secrets to living your happiest life. Remember, happiness isn’t a destination, but a journey. It’s about making deliberate choices each day that align with your values, passions, and purpose.

Sure, it might not always be easy. But trust me, the rewards are worth it. And with these secrets in your toolkit, you’re well on your way to creating a fulfilling and joyful life.

If you’re looking for more guidance on this journey, consider checking out my course, A Toolkit for Building a Happier Life in a Messy World. It’s filled with practical strategies and insights to help you navigate life’s ups and downs and build a life that truly makes you happy.

Remember – your happiest life is within reach. It’s just a matter of making the right choices. So go ahead, take that first step today.