10 Should-Be-Obvious Traits of Truly Happy People, and 1 Added Bonus

While happiness can seem elusive to many of us—especially in times of stress, turmoil, or uncertainty—it’s important to step back sometimes and reassess our lives, our moods, our emotions, and our definitions of happiness. Sometimes, a quick assessment of our own realities can give a fresh perspective. And, just maybe, put a smile back on our face.

If you’re questioning whether or not you’re happy, read the following list to get a new perspective on your state of mind. Here are 10 traits of happy people, and 1 added bonus.

1. You Feel Good:

Are you healthy? We all know how miserable we can be when we’re sick. And, most of us aren’t dealing with life-threatening or agonizing pain and suffering. If you feel good, or at least feel okay, you have something to celebrate. A good number of people reading this post aren’t as lucky. Let’s wish them a speedy recovery. And, even more-so, (and I think those people will agree) start appreciating every day we don’t feel pain.

2. You’ve Accomplished Something:

Okay, so many of us don’t feel that our current accomplishments are worthy of recognition or celebration. But, for a second, let’s reframe the word ‘accomplishment.’ Did you pass the test? Others didn’t. Did you get the diploma? Others didn’t. Did you get a job, figure out how to support yourself? Others didn’t. While your struggles might be real, it’s important to acknowledge the things you have accomplished. It doesn’t mean you think “they’re good enough.” It simply means your next achievement awaits.

3. You Enjoy Your Relationships:

They may not be perfect. Your relationship with your parents or children might be uncomfortable. Your relationship with your significant other might have flaws. Your friends might drive you crazy. And, your boss or coworkers might be irritating. But, how often do you think about what you enjoy in your relationships? If you step back and ask yourself that question about every relationship you have, you’ll most-likely discover that you like more than you dislike—which is the reason you still have a relationship. Focus on the positive. And, if you can’t find it, it’s time to move on.

4. Your Work Satisfies You:

This is a tricky one. Before you answer whether or not you’re satisfied with your work, first decide how you define satisfaction. To some of us, satisfaction might mean a decent paycheck, a good environment, or a short commute. To others, satisfaction might mean autonomy, recognition, or actually enjoying the work itself. Whatever the case, it’s important to understand that if you’re not miserable at work, then there’s something about your work that you actually appreciate. And, if you can pinpoint that aspect, you can be happy with the notion that you understand the precise thing that gives you satisfaction. And, you can then seek more of it.

5. You Embrace the Present:

Happy people understand that life is a journey. And, when you can understand that you’re on that journey, you can also comprehend that everything happening now is simply leading you to something better.

6. You Believe You’re On The Right Path:

If the last point didn’t clarify anything for you, then this point will. Happy people believe they’re on the right path and are willing to accept the challenges that accompany their journey. However, if you feel you’re on the wrong path—that you’re headed in the wrong direction—it’s time to change course.

7. You Live, Aligned With Your Values:

We all want to feel like we’re doing the right thing. And, although the definition of ‘right’ may vary from person to person, happy people are those who live their lives in accordance to their own personal values. If you don’t feel aligned with your personal values, it’s almost impossible to be happy.

8. You Create Positive Change:

While many of us accept the notion that life is constantly changing, truly happy people not only embrace change, but also create change for themselves. Happy people don’t stay in bad relationships, bad jobs, or bad situations. They change them. They either seek solutions to improve their current situation, or they seek new situations. What positive change can you create in your life? If you can answer this question quickly, then you’re most likely a truly happy individual.

9. You Enjoy Simple Things:

It might sound cliché when people utter the phrase ‘Stop and smell the roses.’ However, only truly happy people can appreciate the meaning being that cliché. Why? It’s because the simple things in life can only be enjoyed when all the more complicated aspects of life have been dealt with—your relationships, finances, career, self-worth, and outlook. Stop and enjoy. If the simple things bring you joy, then you’re probably happier than you think.

10. You See More Positive Than Negative:

This last point is pretty self-explanatory. Some of you may find this list inspiring—because you’re actually paying attention to the words. Others may find this list irritating. And, if that’s you, then you probably struggle with happiness. …and you should revisit the objective of this point. Go find the positive in this list.

Bonus. You Don’t Take Life Too Seriously:

If you found yourself saying “I do that” through most of this list then this final point is a bonus. Truly happy people can laugh at life, the hurdles, the hardships, and themselves. This mindset can be one of life’s greatest joys and jokes. However, this point is only a bonus if one of the previous ten points makes sense to you. For truly unhappy people, NOT Taking Life Too Seriously is a detriment.

Listen, we all exist on this planet for a reason. Very few of us have figured out why we exist here. And, maybe that’s the point. Happy people are okay searching for that reason. Unhappy people don’t believe there’s a reason.