Happiness—it’s what we’re all chasing, right?

Yet, so many of us find ourselves stuck in the grind, constantly juggling responsibilities, chasing goals, and wondering why true contentment feels just out of reach.

The truth is, happiness isn’t something you stumble upon; it’s something you create by being intentional about where you focus your energy.

If you’ve been feeling like life is more of a struggle than it should be, it might be time to reevaluate your priorities.

Here are eight things you need to start focusing on if you want to be genuinely happy in life—and no, it’s not about money or success. It’s about finding balance, purpose, and peace within yourself. 

1) Prioritize mindfulness

Mindfulness. This word gets thrown around a lot these days. But what does it truly mean? And more importantly, how does it contribute to your happiness?

As a mindfulness enthusiast myself, I can tell you that it’s about being present in the moment. It’s about engaging with your current situation, rather than dwelling on the past or fretting about the future.

Why is this significant?

Because happiness is not a future event. It’s a present state of mind.

When you prioritize mindfulness, you begin to appreciate the beauty of now.

You become less anxious, more at peace, and start seeing joy in the simple things.

But don’t just take my word for it. Listen to what psychotherapist and Buddhist teacher Sylvia Boorstein has to say:

“Mindfulness is the aware, balanced acceptance of the present experience. It isn’t more complicated than that. It is opening to or receiving the present moment, pleasant or unpleasant, just as it is, without either clinging to it or rejecting it.”

2) Embrace gratitude

Another vital thing to prioritize in your life is gratitude. I know it sounds cliché, but it truly is a game-changer.

Let me share a personal example.

A few years ago, I found myself stuck in a rut. Life felt mundane, and happiness seemed elusive.

Then, I read about the power of gratitude and decided to give it a try. Every night before bed, I started writing down three things I was grateful for that day.

At first, it felt forced. But soon, it became a habit.

And you know what?

It made a huge difference!

By simply acknowledging what was going well in my life, I started feeling happier and more content. Even on tough days, I could find something to be thankful for.

So take it from me: Embracing gratitude can shift your focus from what’s missing in your life to what you already have. And that’s a powerful catalyst for happiness.

3) Let go of the ego

This one can be a bit tricky. After all, our ego is a part of us – it’s our sense of self-esteem or self-worth.

But sometimes, our ego can get in the way of our happiness.

How so?

Well, when we’re preoccupied with our own self-image, we tend to compare ourselves to others.

We obsess over what others might think about us. And this prevents us from living authentically and being genuinely happy.

In my book, “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego“, I delve into how the principles of Buddhism can help us let go of this ego-driven mindset.

It’s not about completely eradicating the ego – that’s not practical. But it’s about learning to recognize when your ego is taking the driver’s seat and shifting back to a place of authenticity.

Letting go of the ego allows you to live freely, unburdened by the opinions or judgments of others. 

4) Foster healthy relationships

A wealth of psychological research suggests that our relationships play a critical role in our overall happiness.

In fact, a seminal study conducted by Harvard University found that close relationships, more than money or fame, are what keep people happy throughout their lives.

Human beings are social animals. We thrive on connection, and our interactions with others greatly impact our mental health. 

So take the time to nurture your relationships. Be it with your family, friends, or partner – make these connections a priority in your life.

• Seek out meaningful interactions
• Offer support to others
• Don’t shy away from expressing love and appreciation

5) Allow yourself to be unhappy

Now, this might seem counter-intuitive. After all, we’re talking about things to prioritize for happiness, right?

But stick with me on this one.

The pursuit of happiness should not lead to the denial of negative emotions.

It’s normal and healthy to experience feelings like sadness, anger, or disappointment. They’re part of the human experience.

In fact, trying to suppress or ignore negative emotions can actually make them stronger and more persistent. It’s important to allow yourself to feel these emotions without judgment or guilt.

When you accept that it’s okay to be unhappy sometimes, you take a lot of pressure off yourself. You realize that you don’t have to be happy all the time and that’s perfectly fine.

6) Invest time in self-care

Self-care is a crucial factor in maintaining our mental and physical well-being. And it plays a significant role in our overall happiness.

Self-care involves taking the time to look after your own needs and wellbeing.

This can range from physical activities like exercise and proper nutrition to mental activities like meditation or reading a good book.

By prioritizing self-care and investing time in rejuvenating yourself, not only will you feel better, but it will also enhance your productivity and relationships.

7) Pursue passion, not money

It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle of life where the measure of success is often tied to financial wealth.

But is that what truly matters?

A few years back, I found myself in a high-paying job that looked impressive on paper. But there was a sense of dissatisfaction that lingered.

It took some soul-searching to realize that while the job brought money, it didn’t ignite passion.

So, I made a bold decision to switch paths and follow what truly excited me.

The result?

Not only did it open up new opportunities, but it also led to a deeper sense of fulfilment and happiness.

Don’t just chase money or status. Instead, pursue what you’re passionate about. True happiness comes from doing what you love, not just what pays the bills.

8) Practice compassion

Compassion is often overlooked, but it’s a vital component of true happiness.

It involves understanding and caring for the suffering of others, and it’s a trait that can profoundly impact your own well-being.

When you show compassion, you create positive connections with others. It fosters a sense of community and belonging, which can greatly enhance your happiness.

But compassion isn’t just about others; it’s also about showing kindness to yourself. Self-compassion involves:

• Acknowledging your own struggles
• Forgiving your mistakes
• Treating yourself with care

So start prioritizing compassion – towards others and yourself. 

Final thoughts: Happiness is a journey

Happiness isn’t about checking off a list of achievements or constantly pushing for more. It’s about prioritizing the things that truly matter—your well-being, relationships, and sense of purpose.

By shifting your focus to what brings you real fulfillment, you’ll find that happiness isn’t something you need to chase; it naturally follows.

So, take the time to reflect on where your energy is going and start making small changes to align your life with what makes you feel whole.

In my book “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego“, I delve deeper into some of these concepts. It’s a guide to help you navigate life with authenticity and find true happiness amidst the noise of everyday life.