The world is full of ambitious people trying to grab the next big opportunity. It is no fault of theirs as the society is designed in such a way that one is made to dream so that he can execute the dream of their big old bosses.
If I had written a blog on four habits of highly successful people, this would have garnered more eyeballs, yet I remain true to my conscience to write about what I feel is essential: happiness and not success.
It will be interesting to note that success is highly correlated to happiness; however, today's corporate world fails to notice this. An exciting experiment stated that just keeping a smiling face irrespective of the situation makes a person inherently happier.
This blog about the four qualities of happy people is written out of my own experience. As an author and an avid traveller, I have this tendency and a natural inclination to identify happy people and research their habits.
The following four habits are predominant in all those happy people who interestingly are successful as well. I intend to identify these habits and its virtues and not get down deep researching them.
Habit 1
Happy People Read
Books were my pass to personal freedom- Oprah Winfrey
If I have to list out one thing which can differentiate a person amidst the masses among this generation, then without a pause, I would say it's the habit of reading.
Today, the world is running out of great thinkers, philosophers and even writers. The majority of this generation is hooked to their bright screens and the scroll. The problem with today's visual media is that they end up telling you a perspective without letting you develop one of your own.
On the other hand, books give their reader time, space, and imagination to create an individual perspective. The more a person reads, the more the intellect he inculcates, and eventually, it all ends up in wisdom.
Book is an opportunity to live another life in this curtailed little life. The more one reads, the more he lives and, yes, lives happily.
Think before you speak. Read before you think. – Fran Lebowitz
If you are a beginner or someone in the middle of nowhere unable to decide on the books to start with, then let me tell you that no matter what your choices are, there will be a book about it. Interestingly everything in this world that has ever happened or will happen will end up in a book.
The new age reading offers infinite opportunities to read any book of your choice. Be it a paperback, kindle or even an audiobook; everything has its charm. However, if you still think you are not a reader, I am sure you haven't found the right book.
"Show me a family of readers, and I will show you the people who move the world." – Napoleon Bonaparte
Habit 2
Happy People Exercise
"Take care of your body. It's the only place you have to live in." Jim Rohn
I firmly believe that a happy body produces a happy mind. If the body is sick, then forget the rest; one can't even cherish the little joys of life.
I can say that exercise does to the body what reading does to the mind. Technically, exercise reduces levels of the body's stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol. However, it also stimulates the production of endorphins, chemicals in the brain that are the body's natural painkillers and mood elevators.
"The only bad workout is the one that didn't happen." Anonymous
The thing about the workout is that most people end up missing it, procrastinating it under the disguise of perfection. But, on the other hand, the successful people don't fret too much, for them exercise is a part of their lifestyle just like a bath. Once exercise becomes a part of your life, you are technically in control of your body and, in turn, your happiness.
All said and done, it's the only body we have that allows us to live the only life we possess. Exercise every day. You will become sharper, stronger and happy.
"Exercise is a celebration of what your body can do. Not a punishment for what you ate." Anonymous
Habit 3
Happy People Meditate
The Quieter you become, the more you can hear – Anonymous
Happy people keep the stillness inside them even amidst the movement and chaos. They don't try to change what's happening around them but change what happens within them. To put it another way, the happy people know themselves and their minds, which is nothing short of life-changing. Meditation is a habit that helps them get going. Meditation nourishes the mind the same way food nourishes the body.
Meditation is perhaps one of the simple things a person can do, and yet man is way too confused researching about it.
If you think you know what meditation is, then go ahead with it; otherwise, I think I can simplify that activity to the bare minimum of sitting comfortably and breathing easy with the eyes closed.
With conscious breathing serving as an anchor, one can witness the feelings and thoughts puzzling around. Thus, this meditation is nothing but mindfulness to the present we live and embrace.
Someone rightly said that while meditating, one should not hate the arising of thoughts or stop the thoughts that arise. They simply have to realise that their original mind, right from the start, is beyond thought, so that no matter what, one never get involved with thoughts. Illuminate the original mind, and no other understanding is necessary.
"There is no good or bad meditation — there is simply awareness or non-awareness. To begin with, we get distracted a lot. Over time, we get distracted less. Be gentle with your approach, be patient with the mind, and be kind to yourself along the way." – Andy Puddicombe
"There is no room for anger when the mind is calm." – Anonymous
Habit 4
Happy People pursue their Passion
"It is obvious that we can no more explain a passion to a person who has never experienced it than we can explain light to the blind."
-T. S. Eliot
Happy people find time to pursue their passion no matter what life throws at them. Their passion can be anything from sports to arts. They pursue their passion for the sheer pleasure they derive from it without any other expectations.
I have known people who have a drive for gardening, cooking, singing, photography and even movie reviewing. They make it a point to do this, and this keeps them happy inherently.
I can go on describing these habits, and yet I don't think my words complement anything extra to the research and the literature you can find across the internet. However, my humble wish is to see you happy. These habits, without a doubt, have made me a happy and a better person. So, if not already, it's your turn now. Cheers!!!
