As someone who’s spent a lot of time studying happiness, I can tell you that it’s not as elusive as you might think. It’s not about the big house, the fancy car, or the perfect job. Rather, it’s about the little things, the habits and traits that define who we are as people.
I’m Lachlan Brown, founder of Hack Spirit and a devoted student of mindfulness and Buddhism. And you know what I’ve found in my studies? People who are genuinely happy in life usually share some common characteristics. They’ve got this certain something that separates them from others.
These are not just random traits. They are habits and behaviours that have been honed over time. And the best part? They can be learned and developed by anyone.
Let’s delve into these 8 traits of genuinely happy people. I’m sure you’ll find them as fascinating as I do!
1) Mindful living
One of the key traits I’ve noticed in genuinely happy people is their ability to live mindfully.
What does that mean exactly? Well, in my experience as a student of Buddhism, being mindful is all about being present and fully engaged with whatever we’re doing at the moment. It’s about focusing on the here and now, without judgment.
Happy people have this amazing knack for being fully immersed in the present moment. They’re not dwelling on the past or fretting about the future. Instead, they’re appreciating what’s happening right now.
This doesn’t mean they don’t plan for the future or learn from the past. But it does mean they don’t allow these things to rob them of their present joy.
Mindfulness isn’t something you achieve overnight. It’s a practice that takes time to cultivate. But once you do, it can lead to an immense sense of happiness and satisfaction.
Why not take a leaf out of their book? Start practicing mindfulness in your daily life and see how it changes your perspective on happiness. You might be surprised at the difference it makes.
2) Embracing imperfections
Another trait I’ve noticed that genuinely happy people share is their ability to embrace imperfections – both in themselves and in others.
In my personal journey with mindfulness and Buddhism, I’ve come to understand that life is beautifully imperfect. And the same goes for us, as people. We all have our flaws, our quirks, and our unique ways. But it’s these imperfections that make us who we are.
Happy people don’t strive for perfection. Instead, they accept their flaws and learn to work with them. They understand that trying to be perfect can only lead to stress and unhappiness.
One of my favorite quotes from Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh sums it up perfectly: “Because of your smile, you make life more beautiful.” It’s not about being flawless; it’s about being genuinely you, with all your imperfections.
When you’re feeling down about not being perfect, remember this – your imperfections are what make you uniquely beautiful. Embrace them, and watch how your happiness blooms.
3) Letting go of attachments
If there’s one thing that Buddhism has taught me, it’s the importance of letting go of attachments. And it seems that genuinely happy people have this wisdom down to a tee.
Attachments, in the Buddhist perspective, are often our downfall. We cling to people, ideas, possessions, and even our own self-identities so tightly that we create suffering for ourselves when they inevitably change or disappear.
Happy people understand this. They realize that everything in life is transient – people come and go, circumstances change, and nothing stays the same forever. And instead of resisting these changes, they accept them. They let go.
This doesn’t mean they don’t care about anything. Far from it. It means they love deeply, they live passionately, but they do not cling. They understand that clinging only leads to suffering.
Letting go of attachments is a hard truth to swallow. It’s raw and it’s honest. But it’s also liberating. Once you learn to let go, you find a level of happiness and peace that transcends any temporary pleasure that attachments can bring. It’s a lesson worth learning.
4) Practicing gratitude
One of the most powerful mindfulness practices that I’ve come across, and that genuinely happy people seem to naturally embody, is the practice of gratitude.
In a world that constantly encourages us to want more, to strive for more, to be more, it’s easy to overlook what we already have. This constant longing for something else can lead to a perpetual state of dissatisfaction.
Happy people, however, understand the value of appreciating what’s already in their lives. They make it a habit to count their blessings, no matter how small or insignificant they may seem.
Practicing gratitude doesn’t mean ignoring the hardships and challenges in life. It’s not about painting everything with a rosy hue. It’s raw and honest. It means acknowledging the good amidst the bad, the joy amidst the sorrow.
By consistently acknowledging and appreciating what we have, we shift our focus from scarcity to abundance. And this simple shift in perspective can bring about a deep sense of contentment and happiness that is impervious to external circumstances.
Take a moment each day to reflect on what you’re grateful for. It might just be one of the most transformative habits you can adopt.
5) Living with minimal ego
Over the years, and particularly while writing my book, Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego, I’ve come to realize that one of the traits genuinely happy people share is their ability to live with minimal ego.
Here’s the thing: The ego can often be our worst enemy. It creates false narratives, fosters a sense of superiority or inferiority, and isolates us from others. It’s a barrier to genuine happiness.
Happy people understand this. They’ve learned to tame their egos. They let their actions speak for themselves rather than boasting about their accomplishments. They listen more than they speak, and when they do speak, it’s usually to uplift others, not to put themselves on a pedestal.
In my book, I delve deeper into how Buddhism teaches us to live with minimal ego for maximum impact. But the gist is this: When you learn to silence the chatter of your ego, you open up a space for genuine happiness and fulfillment to enter your life.
It’s not easy, but it’s definitely worth it. So why not give it a try? You might just find that it brings about a profound shift in your happiness levels.
6) Being compassionate
In both mindfulness practices and Buddhist wisdom, compassion plays a significant role. And, it’s a trait I’ve observed to be deeply ingrained in genuinely happy people.
Compassion, in its truest form, is raw and honest. It’s about recognizing the suffering in others and having a genuine desire to alleviate it. It’s about putting ourselves in someone else’s shoes, understanding their struggles, and offering support.
Happy people are often the most compassionate. They understand that happiness isn’t just about personal fulfillment, but also about contributing to the well-being of others.
Compassion also means being kind to oneself. Happy people are gentle with themselves, especially when they make mistakes or face setbacks. They understand that self-criticism and self-loathing only breed more suffering.
In the words of the Dalai Lama, “If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.”
It’s a simple yet profound truth that can pave the way to true happiness. So let’s strive to be more compassionate – towards others and ourselves.
7) Cultivating inner peace
I’ve noticed that genuinely happy people radiate a sense of calm and tranquility. It’s as if they’ve found a sanctuary within themselves, a place of refuge from the hustle and bustle of the external world.
In both Buddhist and mindfulness teachings, cultivating inner peace is considered essential for true happiness. It’s not about ignoring the chaos outside or pretending that everything is perfect. It’s about finding calm amidst the storm, a sense of serenity that remains unshaken even when everything else is in turmoil.
As the renowned mindfulness teacher Jon Kabat-Zinn said, “You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.” Life will always have its ups and downs, its twists and turns. But it’s how we navigate these waves that determines our happiness.
Cultivating inner peace is raw and honest work. It requires confronting our fears, our insecurities, our deepest emotions. But once we do, we discover a wellspring of joy and contentment that no external circumstance can take away.
Let’s commit to fostering inner peace. Let’s learn to surf the waves of life with grace and resilience. The reward – a deep, enduring happiness – is well worth the effort.
8) Accepting discomfort
This might sound counterintuitive, but genuinely happy people have this unique ability to accept discomfort. They understand that not all moments in life are going to be comfortable or pleasant, and that’s okay.
In mindfulness practice, we learn to observe our feelings and sensations without judgment. Even the unpleasant ones. We don’t try to push them away or ignore them. Instead, we acknowledge them for what they are.
Happy people apply this principle in their daily lives. They don’t shy away from uncomfortable situations or emotions. They face them head-on, with grace and courage.
This acceptance of discomfort allows them to navigate life’s challenges more effectively. They’re not thrown off balance by every little bump in the road. Instead, they ride out the rough patches, knowing that they’re just as much a part of life as the smooth ones.
Embracing discomfort might seem like an unlikely path to happiness. But it’s a testament to the truth that happiness isn’t about perpetual bliss. It’s about accepting all parts of the human experience – the good, the bad, and everything in between.
Conclusion
Happiness isn’t about having a perfect life. It’s about embracing the imperfections, practicing mindfulness and compassion, letting go of attachments, and finding peace within ourselves. These are the traits that genuinely happy people share – traits that we can all cultivate with time and practice.
If you’re interested in delving deeper into the wisdom of Buddhism and how it can help you live with maximum impact and minimum ego, I invite you to check out my book Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego. It provides practical insights on how to apply these principles in our everyday lives.
Remember, happiness is a journey, not a destination. And each step we take on this path brings us closer to our true selves – and to a life filled with genuine joy and fulfillment. Here’s to your happiness journey!
