Happiness isn’t a result of luck or chance. It’s often a by-product of the choices we make.

Those who seem to be happiest know this well. They don’t wait for joy to happen—they make it happen.

These folks take control of their lives by making 8 powerful choices that lead to their happiness.

Here’s a sneak peek into these choices and how you can incorporate them into your life to be happier, too.

1) They choose gratitude

One of the key choices that the happiest people make is to be grateful.

It’s not always about having the best of everything. Rather, it’s about making the best of what you have.

Gratitude is a powerful force that can shift your mood and perspective almost instantly. It allows you to focus on the good in your life, overshadowing any negative or less desirable circumstances.

The happiest people understand this and routinely make the choice to appreciate what they have, rather than dwell on what they don’t.

And this isn’t just a feel-good theory. It’s backed by research showing that practicing gratitude can lead to feeling more positive emotions, enjoying good experiences, improving health, dealing with adversity, and building strong relationships.

So next time you find yourself slipping into negativity or feeling unsatisfied, remember to pause for a moment and choose gratitude. It’s that simple. But its impact can be massive.

2) They choose to invest in relationships

Another choice that the happiest people make is to invest their time and energy into building strong, positive relationships.

I’ve personally experienced the power of this choice in my own life.

A few years back, I found myself feeling overwhelmed and isolated due to the pressure of work. I was so wrapped up in my responsibilities that I hardly had any time to socialize or maintain my relationships. My happiness levels were plummeting.

Then I made a conscious choice to prioritize my relationships. I started making time for my family and friends, regardless of how busy I was. I began to reconnect with old friends and even made some new ones.

The result? My happiness levels soared.

The laughter, support, and companionship that comes from strong relationships are unparalleled sources of joy. Happy people understand this and make the conscious choice to nurture their relationships regularly.

Building meaningful relationships might require some effort, but the happiness that it brings makes it all worth it.

3) They choose to exercise regularly

Regular exercise isn’t just about staying fit physically. It has profound effects on our mental health and happiness too.

When we exercise, our body releases endorphins, often referred to as the ‘feel-good’ hormones. These endorphins trigger a positive feeling in the body, similar to that of morphine.

This explains why after a good workout, you often feel more optimistic and happy. It’s not just a perception; it’s a physiological change happening in your body.

The happiest people understand this connection between physical activity and happiness. That’s why they make the choice to include regular exercise in their routine, regardless of how busy they might be.

So, whether it’s a brisk walk in the park, a sweaty gym session or a calming yoga class, find an exercise that you enjoy and make it a part of your routine. The happiness boost is worth every drop of sweat!

4) They choose to let go

Holding on to grudges and past mistakes can weigh heavily on your happiness. It’s like carrying a backpack full of rocks that keeps getting heavier with every step you take.

The happiest people make the powerful choice to let go. They understand that forgiveness is not about forgetting or condoning the behavior; it’s about releasing the burden they carry around.

Letting go doesn’t mean you have to forget what happened or maintain a relationship with the person who hurt you. It simply means choosing to focus on your happiness and peace of mind over resentment and bitterness.

So, if you’re holding onto any grudges or resentment, make the choice today to let it go. It might not be easy, but it’s a sure step towards a happier you.

5) They choose to be kind

There’s a warm, fulfilling sensation that comes from extending kindness to others. It’s a feeling that goes beyond the fleeting pleasure of material gains.

The happiest people consciously choose to be kind – not for recognition or reward, but simply because it feels good. They understand that kindness cultivates a sense of well-being and community, enhancing their own happiness and that of others around them.

Kindness doesn’t have to be grand gestures. It can be as simple as a warm smile, a helping hand, or a listening ear.

So next time you have an opportunity to be kind, seize it. The happiness you’ll feel is truly heartwarming.

6) They choose self-love

One of the most critical choices that happy people make is the choice to love themselves.

There was a time when I constantly found myself criticizing my every move, comparing myself to others, and never feeling ‘good enough’. It was an exhausting and painful cycle that only left me feeling lower than before.

Then I made a choice. A choice to love myself, flaws and all. This didn’t mean I stopped aiming for self-improvement, but I started doing it from a place of self-love, not self-loathing.

The moment I chose to embrace my imperfections and celebrate my uniqueness, things started to change. The constant self-criticism was replaced with self-compassion. The comparisons faded away, making room for appreciating my own journey.

Choosing self-love has been one of the most empowering choices I’ve ever made. It’s not always easy, but it’s absolutely worth it. And it’s a choice that consistently leads to happiness.

7) They choose to live in the present

The happiest people make the choice to fully engage in the present moment.

It’s easy to get caught up in the past, dwelling on mistakes or missed opportunities. It’s equally easy to stress about the future, worrying about what might or might not happen.

But here’s the thing – the past is already gone and the future is yet to come. The only moment we truly have is this one, right now.

Choosing to live in the present means actively focusing on what’s happening around you, immersing yourself fully in your current experience. It’s about appreciating the now, finding joy in the seemingly mundane, and cherishing each moment as it comes.

So, take a deep breath, look around you, and make the choice to be fully present. You might be surprised by how much happiness this can bring you.

8) They choose to be true to themselves

Perhaps the most impactful choice that happy people make is to stay true to themselves.

In a world that’s constantly trying to mold us into something else, holding on to our authenticity can be a challenge. But it’s a challenge worth taking on.

Being true to yourself means listening to your heart, trusting your instincts, and honoring your values. It means embracing your uniqueness and allowing it to shine.

When you choose authenticity over conformity, you stop seeking validation from outside and start finding happiness within. This choice, though not always easy, is the cornerstone of lasting happiness.

So dare to be yourself, in all your unique glory. It’s the most beautiful and rewarding choice you can ever make.

Final thoughts: Happiness is a choice

At the end of the day, happiness is not about circumstances, luck, or chance. It’s about the choices we make and the perspective we choose to hold.

Just like the saying goes, “Life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we react to it.”

These 8 choices that the happiest people make are not exclusive. They are available to each one of us, accessible at any given moment.

Choosing gratitude, investing in relationships, exercising regularly, letting go, being kind, loving ourselves, living in the present, and being true to ourselves – all these choices are within our control.

So next time you find your happiness waning, remember – you have the power to choose. And in that choice lies your happiness.

After all, happiness isn’t something we find; it’s something we create.