As Lachlan Brown, founder of Hack Spirit and mindfulness expert, I’ve spent countless hours observing and analyzing what it means to be genuinely happy in life. It’s not as elusive as it seems.

Now, you might think that happiness is a state of mind that comes and goes. But in my experience, I’ve found that the happiest people consistently exhibit certain patterns of behavior.

These aren’t random acts or fleeting moments, but rather, these are deeply ingrained habits that these joyful individuals live by. They’re more than just behaviors – they’re a lifestyle.

In this article, we’re going to delve into these patterns. Buckle up and prepare to learn about the 8 key behaviors that genuinely happy people exhibit.

Let’s dive in.

1) Embracing the present

One of the distinctive behaviors of genuinely happy people is their ability to live in the moment.

They understand that life unfolds in the present. The past has been and gone, and the future is yet to come. This profound understanding allows them to fully immerse themselves in whatever they’re doing at any given moment.

This is more than just a behavior. It’s a mindfulness practice known as ‘being present’. It’s about letting go of past regrets and future anxieties, and instead, focusing on the here and now.

And it’s not as difficult as it might seem.

Start by bringing awareness to your senses. What can you see, hear, smell, taste, or touch? By paying attention to your sensory experiences, you’ll find it easier to ground yourself in the present moment.

Happiness isn’t a destination. It’s experienced in the journey, right here, right now. Take a deep breath, look around, and start embracing the present. You might just find that happiness has been hiding there all along.

2) Practicing gratitude

In my journey exploring mindfulness and Buddhism, I have come to realize the immense power of gratitude. Happy people, I’ve found, have made a habit out of being grateful.

Gratitude is a powerful emotion that can dramatically improve your mood and outlook on life. It’s not just about saying ‘thank you’, but truly appreciating the good in your life, whether it’s big or small.

As Thich Nhat Hanh, a revered Buddhist monk and mindfulness expert, once said, “When we recognize the virtues, the talent, the beauty of Mother Earth, something is born in us, some kind of connection, love is born.”

Happy people understand this deep connection and love that arises from gratitude. They take time each day to reflect on their blessings, rather than focusing on what they don’t have.

So why not try it? Start by listing down three things you’re grateful for at the end of each day. By cultivating a habit of gratitude, you’ll be one step closer to genuine happiness.

3) Accepting impermanence

This is a behavior that can be a little tough to swallow, but it’s a cornerstone of happiness. Happy people understand and accept the concept of impermanence.

Buddhist wisdom teaches us that everything in life is transient. Our feelings, thoughts, even our very lives are in a constant state of flux. Nothing lasts forever, not even our troubles.

While this might initially sound negative, it’s actually a liberating concept. It means that no matter what we’re going through, it won’t last forever. The dark clouds will eventually give way to sunshine.

Happy people internalize this understanding. They don’t resist change or fear it. Instead, they understand that it’s a natural part of life, and they adapt accordingly.

This doesn’t mean they don’t feel pain or sadness. But they don’t let these transient feelings define their overall happiness.

Accepting impermanence can be challenging, but it’s essential for genuine happiness. Embrace the ebb and flow of life and remember: This too shall pass.

4) Mindful listening

Genuinely happy people tend to be excellent listeners. But not just any kind of listening – they practice what we call ‘mindful listening’.

Mindfulness is all about being fully present and engaged in the moment, and this applies to listening as well. When someone speaks, happy people don’t just hear the words; they truly listen.

They don’t interrupt, get distracted, or start formulating responses while the other person is still talking. Instead, they give their full attention, making the speaker feel valued and heard. This nurtures their relationships and creates a positive environment around them.

But being a mindful listener isn’t always easy. It requires patience, focus, and a genuine interest in understanding others.

However, the rewards are worth the effort. Not only does it enhance your relationships, but it also allows you to understand people better, fostering empathy and compassion.

When you’re in a conversation, try to really listen. Put away distractions, focus on the other person’s words and emotions, and respond thoughtfully. It might just bring you one step closer to genuine happiness.

5) Letting go of ego

I’ve found in my personal journey, as well as in my research for my book Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego, that one of the most freeing behaviors is learning to let go of the ego.

Happy people understand that the ego often stands in the way of genuine happiness. It’s that voice in our heads that constantly seeks validation, compares us to others, and fuels our insecurities.

But here’s the thing: You are not your ego.

Realizing this is a game-changer. It allows you to step back and observe your thoughts and emotions without judgment. It gives you the freedom to experience life without being constantly swayed by your ego’s demands.

In my book, I delve deeper into how Buddhist teachings can help us tame our egos and live with greater authenticity and joy. By practicing mindfulness and compassion, we can learn to quieten the ego and live a life driven by love, not fear or pride.

Letting go of the ego might seem intimidating, but trust me, it’s a step worth taking on your journey to genuine happiness.

6) Cultivating compassion

Another fundamental behavior that genuinely happy people exhibit is the practice of compassion.

In both Buddhist teachings and mindfulness practices, compassion holds a place of great importance. It’s not just about feeling sorry for someone else’s suffering, but actively wishing to alleviate it.

Happy people understand this. They’re not consumed by their own needs and desires; rather, they make conscious efforts to understand and empathize with others. They recognize that everyone is fighting their own battles, and they approach others with kindness and patience.

This is not always easy. It takes strength to be compassionate, especially when faced with negativity or hostility. But the beauty of compassion is that it benefits both the giver and the receiver.

When we show compassion, we’re fostering a sense of connection and community. This not only helps others feel loved and understood, but also nurtures our own happiness.

Compassion is not a sign of weakness, but a mark of strength. Cultivate it, and you’ll be paving your way to a happier life.

7) Practicing self-care

Genuinely happy people understand the importance of self-care. They recognize that in order to take care of others, they must first take care of themselves.

This doesn’t mean they’re selfish or self-absorbed. Quite the opposite. They know that by nurturing their own physical, mental, and emotional health, they’re better equipped to help and inspire those around them.

As the renowned mindfulness expert and psychologist, Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn, once said, “You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.”

Life is full of challenges and stressors, but happy people don’t allow these to overwhelm them. Instead, they ‘surf’ through them by engaging in regular self-care practices – be it meditation, exercise, reading a book, or simply taking a moment to breathe.

Self-care isn’t a luxury – it’s necessary for your wellbeing and happiness. 

8) Welcoming discomfort

This may sound counterintuitive, but genuinely happy people have a unique relationship with discomfort. Instead of avoiding it, they welcome it.

Mindfulness teaches us that discomfort is a part of life. It’s not something to be feared or avoided, but rather, something to be acknowledged and experienced.

Happy people understand that growth often comes from discomfort. Whether it’s a challenging workout, an honest conversation, or stepping out of their comfort zone – they view these moments not as inconveniences, but as opportunities for growth and learning.

They don’t let discomfort deter them. Instead, they breathe through it, stay present, and allow themselves to feel without judgment.

Embracing discomfort might seem daunting, but remember: It’s through discomfort that we stretch our limits and discover our true potential. So the next time you face a challenging moment, don’t shy away from it. Lean into the discomfort and see what it has to teach you. You might just find that it leads you closer to genuine happiness.

Conclusion

So there you have it. These are the behaviors that genuinely happy people tend to display. They’re not just habits; they’re a way of life. A testament to the power of mindfulness and Buddhist wisdom in creating a fulfilling and joyous existence.

These habits aren’t about achieving a state of constant euphoria. Real happiness is about embracing all parts of life – the good, the bad, and everything in between.

If you want to delve deeper into this concept and learn how to live with maximum impact and minimum ego, I invite you to check out my book Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego. It’s packed with insights and practical advice on how to incorporate Buddhist teachings into your daily life.

Genuine happiness isn’t a destination but a journey. So take a deep breath, embrace these patterns, and start walking on your path to genuine happiness. You’ve got this!