People who stay joyful even when life doesn’t go to plan usually display these 6 habits

Farley Ledgerwood by Farley Ledgerwood | January 24, 2025, 5:16 pm

Have you ever met someone who seems to stay joyful no matter what life throws their way?

I’ve always been fascinated by people who can remain upbeat and resilient, even when things don’t go as planned. Life is full of unexpected twists, and while it’s easy to let setbacks dampen our mood, some people manage to hold onto their joy through it all.

After spending time observing, reading, and learning from these kinds of people, one thing became clear: their positivity isn’t accidental. It’s intentional. They have certain habits—practices they’ve built into their lives—that help them stay grounded, grateful, and joyful, even when things feel uncertain or difficult.

Today, we’re diving into six of these habits.

These have been transformative for me as I’ve worked to build more resilience and joy in my own life. I have a feeling they could do the same for you.

Let’s get into ‘em!

1) Embracing gratitude

Let’s kick things off with a big one.

To be honest, I used to think gratitude was just new-age fluff. I’d hear people talk about keeping gratitude journals or listing things they were thankful for, and I’d roll my eyes. It sounded nice in theory, but I didn’t see how it could make a real difference.

That was until I actually tried it.

At first, it felt forced—writing down three things I was grateful for every morning. But over time, something shifted. I started to notice small, positive moments throughout my day—things I might have overlooked before. A beautiful sunset, a kind gesture from a friend, even just a moment of peace with my coffee.

The practice of actively acknowledging what I was grateful for changed my mindset. It didn’t erase challenges, but it gave me a new perspective, helping me focus on what was good, even when things weren’t perfect.

And it’s not just me. Experts back this up too. For instance,as the folks at Harvard Health explain: 

 “In positive psychology research, gratitude is strongly and consistently associated with greater happiness. Gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships.”

If there’s one habit to start with, this might just be it. Gratitude is simple, free, and powerful—why not give it a try?

2) Seeing the silver lining 

Here’s one you probably expected, right?

People who stay joyful even when life doesn’t go as planned have mastered the art of optimism. 

But let’s be clear—optimism isn’t about pretending everything is sunshine and rainbows or ignoring life’s difficulties. It’s about choosing to view challenges in a more hopeful light.

For example, when I’ve faced setbacks in my own life, my initial instinct was to spiral into worst-case scenarios. But over time, I’ve learned to reframe those situations. Instead of asking, “Why is this happening to me?” I ask, “What can I learn from this?” 

It’s not always easy, but this simple shift helps me move forward with less frustration and more clarity.

And there’s science behind this too. Studies have shown that optimistic people are better at coping with stress. It’s not magic—it’s mindset.

Optimism isn’t about ignoring reality; it’s about giving yourself permission to hope. And that hope can be a powerful anchor when life gets tough.

3) Maintaining a sense of humor

Life can be tough, unpredictable, and sometimes just plain ridiculous. But those who manage to stay joyful through it all often have one thing in common: a great sense of humor.

A good laugh can lighten our burdens, add joy to our day, and bring comfort in the midst of chaos. It’s a natural stress reliever and an instant mood booster.

But maintaining a sense of humor is more than just laughing at jokes. It’s about finding the funny side of things, even in difficult situations. It’s about not taking life too seriously all the time.

So, the next time you find yourself in a tough spot, try to find something to laugh about. You’d be surprised at how much lighter things can feel when you approach them with a touch of humor.

4) Nurturing relationships

 As poet John Donne wrote, “No man is an island”. We thrive on connection, support, and love. 

And it’s not just poetry—it’s science. The Harvard Study of Adult Development, one of the longest-running studies on happiness, found that good relationships are the key to living a joyful and fulfilling life. In fact, the study revealed that people who are more socially connected are not only happier but also healthier and live longer than those who are less connected.

The lesson? 

Don’t underestimate the power of your relationships. They can be a lifeline in tough times and a source of joy in good times. Nurture them, value them, and don’t be afraid to lean on them when you need to.

5) Prioritizing self-care

In our busy, always-on-the-go lives, self-care often takes a backseat. But for those who manage to stay joyful despite life’s curveballs, self-care is non-negotiable.

Self-care is about taking care of your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. It’s about understanding your needs and taking steps to meet them. It can be as simple as getting enough sleep, eating healthily, or taking some time out to relax and rejuvenate.

When we take care of ourselves, we’re better equipped to handle stress and bounce back from adversity. We’re more resilient, more balanced, and yes, more joyful.

6) Embracing change

Change is a constant in life. It can be disorienting, unsettling, and downright scary.

However, those who stay joyful amidst life’s ups and downs have learned to embrace change, rather than resist it.

Embracing change means accepting that life is a journey of continual growth and evolution. It’s about finding the courage to step out of your comfort zone and adapt to new circumstances. It’s about recognizing that change can bring opportunities for growth, learning, and new experiences.

Don’t fear change. Embrace it. It’s not always easy, but it’s often in the midst of change that we find our greatest joys and discover our true strength.

Final reflections: Joy is a journey

In the end, joy is not a destination, but a journey. It’s not about ignoring life’s challenges, but finding ways to navigate through them with positivity and grace.

These seven habits are not quick fixes. They require consistent practice and dedication. But the reward is worth the effort: a life imbued with joy, regardless of external circumstances.