In a world that often equates wealth with happiness, there’s something deeply inspiring about those who find fulfillment in life regardless of their financial status.

Over the years, I’ve observed and read about individuals who embody this kind of inner peace, and one thing is clear: it’s not luck or circumstance. It’s about the way they choose to live.

Happiness, as it turns out, is less about what you have and more about how you approach life. Certain behaviors and mindsets seem to make all the difference, and they’re ones we can all adopt.

Today, we’ll dive into six key behaviors that people who are highly content with life often display.

These habits have challenged the way I think about happiness, and I believe they can do the same for you.

Let’s explore.

1) They cultivate gratitude

Gratitude is a key behavior I’ve noticed among those who are content without being rich. They make a daily practice of acknowledging and appreciating the good in their lives.

Take my friend Mark, for example. Despite living paycheck to paycheck, Mark is one of the most joyful people I know.

Every day, he makes a point to write down three things he’s grateful for. It could be as simple as a sunny day, a delicious meal, or a kind message from a friend.

This simple act of daily gratitude, Mark says, keeps him focused on the positive aspects of his life and prevents him from dwelling on what he doesn’t have.

And it’s not just anecdotal. As noted by the folks at Harvard Health, “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.”

It’s a small habit with transformative potential.

2) They practice mindfulness

Another behavior I’ve noticed among these individuals is the practice of mindfulness. They have a knack for living in the present moment, rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.

This ability to be fully engaged in the present, appreciating every moment, is a powerful tool for cultivating happiness. It allows us to fully experience life as it unfolds, rather than being constantly distracted by thoughts of what we don’t have.

In my book, Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego, I delve deeper into this concept.

But for now, just know that by practicing mindfulness, we can learn to appreciate what we have right now, rather than constantly striving for more. 

3) They foster meaningful relationships

This is a huge one. 

People who are deeply content with life understand the importance of strong, meaningful connections. They actively nurture their relationships, whether it’s with family, friends, or a supportive community.

For them, relationships aren’t just a source of happiness—they’re a cornerstone of a fulfilling life.

This isn’t just a feel-good notion; it’s backed by science. The Harvard Study of Adult Development, one of the longest-running studies on happiness, found that good relationships are the single most significant predictor of a happy and healthy life.

As Robert Waldinger, the study’s director, put it, “The clearest message that we get from this 75-year study is this: Good relationships keep us happier and healthier. Period.”

Investing time and energy in our connections is one of the most rewarding choices we can make.

4) They embrace failures

This behavior might seem  a bit counter-intuitive, but those who are truly content in life without being rich often embrace failures instead of fearing them. Instead of seeing failure as a setback, they view it as an opportunity for growth and learning.

Failure, to them, is not the end of the road but a stepping stone towards success. They understand that every mistake brings them one step closer to their goals and helps them grow as individuals.

This perspective shift allows them to face challenges head-on, learn from their mistakes, and bounce back stronger. They don’t waste time and energy dwelling on their failures. Instead, they analyze what went wrong, learn from it, and move forward.

5) They invest in experiences

Another common behavior among those who are content without being rich is their preference for experiences over material possessions.

They understand that the joy derived from a new purchase often fades over time, while memories from meaningful experiences last a lifetime.

These individuals would rather spend their money on a trip with loved ones, a concert of their favorite band, or a cooking class to learn a new skill, rather than on the latest gadget or designer clothing.

They know that these experiences contribute more to their overall happiness and contentment than transient material goods.

As esteemed psychologist professor Dr. Thomas Gilovich said, “We buy things to make us happy, and we succeed. But only for a while. New things are exciting to us at first, but then we adapt to them.”

Next time you’re contemplating a purchase, consider investing in an experience instead. You might find it brings you more lasting joy and contentment.

6) They compare themselves to themselves

Last but not least, people who are genuinely happy without wealth prioritize measuring their progress against their past selves instead of others’ achievements.

They understand that everyone’s journey is unique, and comparing apples to oranges only leads to dissatisfaction.

Albert Einstein’s famous quote captures this sentiment beautifully: “Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.”

These individuals recognize their unique strengths and limitations, striving to grow within their own capacities rather than trying to conform to someone else’s standards.

This approach allows them to celebrate small victories, acknowledge personal progress, and maintain a sense of fulfillment.

By focusing on self-improvement and staying in their own lane, they cultivate confidence and resilience, regardless of what others might have or achieve.

Final thoughts 

These behaviors may seem simple, but their impact can be profound.

By adopting even a few of them, you can shift your mindset, find joy in the everyday, and cultivate a life of contentment—regardless of your financial situation.

Happiness isn’t about having it all; it’s about appreciating what you have and choosing to live with intention.

So, which of these behaviors will you start embracing today?