When you think about being happy, you probably think about external factors in your life, such as having a comfortable place to live, money to fund your lifestyle, and more. While those things can certainly contribute to a greater sense of well-being and contentment, they rarely create happiness on their own.
Rather, genuine happiness is usually the result of less tangible factors. Below you’ll find three of the major factors that can help you to create a life of true joy and happiness, regardless of the state of your outer circumstances:
Purpose
A seemingly aimless existence often leads to an increased sense of emptiness and dissatisfaction in all areas of your life. On the other hand, when you believe that your life has purpose and meaning, you automatically experience greater focus, vitality and happiness.
Your life purpose doesn’t have to be a major “calling” like becoming a nun or a missionary; you can find purpose in any kind of situation! Make it your purpose to have a fulfilling career in any field, or set a benchmark of achievement for your children to exceed someday. Choose a cause that is important to you and devote your life to supporting it. Ultimately it doesn’t matter what purpose you choose for your life; just that it’s important to you.
Self-love
True happiness and contentment must be accompanied by genuine self-love. When you truly love and respect yourself, everything seems to run more smoothly in your life. You get along better with others, you feel stronger and more balanced, and you don’t tend to take challenges so personally. Rather than seeking love and acceptance from others, give it to yourself! Speak kindly to yourself and build yourself up as often as you can. The more you do, the happier you’ll feel.
Confidence
Confidence makes you feel more in control of your life, which cannot help but make you feel happier too. Not only are you better able to stand up for yourself and avoid being taken advantage of; confidence also helps you to believe in yourself and your capabilities, which gives you the power and determination to create a truly happy and fulfilling life.
There are other factors that contribute to greater happiness, but these three are probably the most pervasive. Simply by fostering these three qualities in yourself and your life, you’ll begin to shift toward a more purposeful, gentle, fulfilling and empowering existence.