There’s a certain aura around genuinely happy people, wouldn’t you agree? They exude a positivity that’s hard to ignore. Now, what if I told you that these joyful individuals often share a set of common traits?

According to psychology, there are eight characteristics that are usually found in truly happy people. I’m Lachlan Brown, the founder of Hack Spirit, and I’ve spent a lot of time studying mindfulness and Buddhism to understand the essence of true happiness.

In this article, we’re going to delve into those eight traits that can make your life not just happier, but also more fulfilling.

Whether you’re on a personal journey towards happiness or just curious about what makes happy people tick, read on.

Let’s get started. 

1) Embrace of the present moment

Truly happy people have a knack for living in the present moment. They’re not constantly fretting over past mistakes or anxiously anticipating future events. They’ve mastered the art of mindfulness.

Mindfulness, a key principle in Buddhism, involves focusing on the present and accepting it without judgment. It’s about being fully engaged and aware of your current actions and surroundings.

By embracing the present moment, these individuals are able to appreciate the little things that make life beautiful. Whether it’s the warmth of the sun, a good meal, or a heartfelt conversation with a friend, they find joy in the here and now.

This doesn’t mean they don’t plan for the future or learn from their past. Rather, they don’t let these thoughts consume them or steal away their current happiness.

If you find your mind constantly drifting to what was or what could be, try to bring it back to what is. Embrace the present moment, just as truly happy people do. It might take a bit of practice, but over time, this mindfulness can lead to an increase in your overall happiness.

2) They practice gratitude

The happiest people I’ve met have one thing in common: they’re deeply grateful. Even in the face of adversity, they manage to find something to be thankful for.

Gratitude is a powerful tool for happiness, backed by numerous psychological studies. It shifts our focus from what we lack to the abundance that’s already present in our lives.

This reminds me of a quote by Thich Nhat Hanh, a renowned Buddhist monk and mindfulness advocate, who once said, “The present moment is filled with joy and happiness. If you are attentive, you will see it.”

Practicing gratitude is about seeing that joy and happiness in the present moment. It’s about acknowledging the good in your life and letting it fill your heart.

I’ve found that adopting this attitude not only boosts my mood but also helps me maintain a positive outlook on life. 

When you find yourself feeling down, try to think of something you’re grateful for. It can be as simple as a good cup of coffee or a kind word from a friend. You might be surprised by how your perspective changes.

3) They understand the impermanence of life

Here’s a truth that might be difficult to swallow: everything in life is temporary. This principle of impermanence, or “anicca” as it’s known in Buddhism, is a core teaching and one that truly happy people have come to terms with.

Whether it’s joy or sorrow, success or failure, everything comes and goes. This can feel unsettling, but it’s also liberating. It means that our struggles are transient; they will pass. It also means that our moments of joy, while temporary, should be fully savored.

Truly happy people understand this. They don’t cling desperately to happiness in fear that it will slip away. Instead, they appreciate it while it’s present and let go when it’s time.

Similarly, they don’t allow hardships to define them. They know that pain and difficulties are part of life’s ebb and flow. They weather the storm knowing it will pass.

This acceptance of life’s impermanence can be a game-changer for your happiness too. It brings a sense of peace and equanimity that allows you to navigate life’s ups and downs with grace. After all, as Buddhist wisdom tells us, “This too shall pass.”

4) They cultivate self-compassion

Life can be tough, and we can be our own harshest critics. But truly happy individuals understand the importance of treating themselves with kindness and compassion. This trait is deeply rooted in mindfulness.

Mindfulness isn’t just about being aware of your surroundings or focusing on the present – it also involves turning that same awareness and acceptance inward. It’s about acknowledging your feelings and thoughts without judgment, recognizing your flaws without harsh criticism, and understanding that everyone makes mistakes.

Happy people don’t berate themselves over every misstep. Instead, they see these moments as opportunities for growth and learning. They treat themselves with the same kindness they would extend to a dear friend going through a tough time.

This kind of self-compassion can feel foreign, particularly in a society that often encourages us to be hard on ourselves. But the truth is, being kind to yourself isn’t a sign of weakness or complacency. It’s a crucial ingredient for happiness.

When you stumble or fall, remember: it’s okay to give yourself some grace. Cultivate self-compassion, just as those truly happy individuals do. You might find it makes all the difference.

5) They maintain a balanced ego

One of the most intriguing traits of genuinely happy people is their ability to keep their ego in check. They understand that while self-confidence is important, an inflated ego can lead to dissatisfaction and conflict.

This idea of balancing the ego is something I delve into in my book, Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego. In it, I explain how Buddhist teachings can help us navigate the complexities of our ego.

Truly happy people are able to recognize and acknowledge their strengths without letting them feed an over-inflated sense of self-worth. They’re also able to accept their flaws and weaknesses without letting them undermine their self-esteem.

Balancing the ego also involves understanding that we’re all interconnected. It’s about recognizing that we’re part of something bigger than ourselves, which can cultivate a sense of humility and gratitude.

If you’re interested in learning more about this delicate balance and how to maintain it for a happier life, I invite you to explore my book. It’s filled with insights and practical tips drawn from Buddhism that are applicable no matter where you are on your journey to happiness.

6) They practice non-attachment

This might sound a bit harsh, but here’s the raw truth: attachment, in many forms, can lead to suffering. This is a central tenet in Buddhism and it’s also something that truly happy people tend to understand.

Let me clarify. This doesn’t mean they don’t form relationships or value their possessions. Rather, they understand that clinging too tightly to people, things, or outcomes can set them up for disappointment and pain.

Non-attachment is about accepting change and understanding that loss is a part of life. It’s about being able to appreciate what you have in the moment without fearing its eventual loss.

Happy individuals practice non-attachment by focusing on the joy of the experience itself rather than the end result. Whether it’s a project at work, a personal goal, or a relationship, they appreciate the journey without obsessing over the destination.

If you can learn to cultivate non-attachment in your own life, you might find that it frees you from unnecessary stress and worry. It can liberate you to fully enjoy life’s experiences without fear of their inevitable end – a truly freeing way to live.

7) They foster deep connections

We’re social creatures by nature, and truly happy people understand the profound value of deep, genuine connections. Whether it’s with family, friends, or even themselves, these connections form the bedrock of their happiness.

But let’s be honest, forming these deep connections isn’t always easy. It requires vulnerability, understanding, and a whole lot of patience. It’s about more than just shared interests or casual conversations. It’s about empathy, mutual respect, and genuine care.

As Jack Kornfield, a respected Buddhist teacher and mindfulness expert, once said, “True love is born from understanding.” This understanding forms the basis of deep connections – the ability to see and accept others (and yourself) as they truly are.

Happy people strive to foster these connections. They understand that it’s these relationships that enrich their lives and bring them joy. So if you’re looking to boost your happiness quotient, take a leaf out of their book: nurture your relationships and invest in building deep, meaningful connections.

8) They’re comfortable with solitude

Here’s a counterintuitive truth: truly happy people are often quite comfortable with solitude. While they value deep connections with others, they also understand the importance of spending time alone.

In our fast-paced, hyper-connected world, the idea of embracing solitude might seem strange, even daunting. But it’s in these quiet moments that we can practice mindfulness to its fullest, delve into self-reflection, and recharge our mental and emotional batteries.

Solitude doesn’t have to mean isolation or loneliness. It’s about creating space for yourself – space to think, to breathe, to just be. It’s about being comfortable in your own company and using this time constructively.

Truly happy people use their solitude to connect deeply with themselves, to cultivate self-awareness and self-understanding. This mindful solitude can lead to personal growth and a deeper sense of contentment.

Whenyou find yourself alone, resist the urge to fill the silence with distractions. Instead, embrace the solitude. You might find it’s not as scary as it seems and that it brings you one step closer to true happiness.

Conclusion

From embracing the present moment to fostering deep connections, these traits provide a roadmap to a happier, more fulfilling life.

Of course, cultivating these traits takes time and practice. But the beauty of it is that every step you take towards embracing these principles brings you closer to genuine happiness.

For more insights into achieving a balanced life 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 practical wisdom drawn from Buddhist teachings that can help guide you on your journey towards true happiness.

The path to happiness isn’t about chasing fleeting moments of joy. It’s about cultivating a mindset and lifestyle that foster lasting contentment and fulfillment. And with these eight traits as your guide, you’re well on your way to achieving just that.