There’s something special about people who find joy in the everyday. It’s as if they possess a unique set of traits that allow them to see the world in a more vibrant, positive light.
I’m Lachlan Brown, founder of Hack Spirit and a self-proclaimed mindfulness enthusiast. In my studies of Buddhism and my own personal journey to happiness, I’ve found that these joyful individuals have common characteristics that set them apart.
In the following article, we will delve into these 10 unique traits, and maybe you’ll find a few you can adopt to add some extra sparkle to your own every day.
1) They practice mindfulness
A common attribute among people who find joy in everyday life is that they practice mindfulness. Now, what does this mean exactly?
Mindfulness is a concept I’ve grown to love in my journey of understanding Buddhism. It’s about being fully present, aware of where we are and what we’re doing, not overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s going on around us.
Everyday life is filled with countless moments, some mundane, others more significant. But those who find joy in every day don’t let these moments pass them by unnoticed. They’re not distracted or preoccupied; they are fully engaged and present.
Think of it as the antidote to the autopilot mode we often find ourselves in. Mindful individuals don’t just go through the motions; they live each moment to its fullest.
This trait allows them to appreciate the beauty in the ‘ordinary,’ finding joy in simple things like a cup of coffee, a walk in the park, or a good book.
Mindfulness isn’t just a trait; it’s a skill. And like any skill, it can be developed with practice. So why not start today? You might just find more joy in your everyday life.
2) They cultivate gratitude
Another trait that I’ve noticed in people who find joy in the everyday is their attitude towards gratitude. These people don’t just feel thankful occasionally; they actively cultivate an attitude of gratitude.
Gratitude has always played a significant role in my life. I’ve found that the simple act of recognizing and appreciating the good things in life can profoundly affect our happiness.
As Thich Nhat Hanh, a renowned Buddhist monk once said, “The miracle is not to walk on water. The miracle is to walk on the green Earth, dwelling deeply in the present moment and feeling truly alive.”
People who find joy every day understand this. They appreciate the little things, like the warmth of the sun on their skin or the sound of birds singing in the morning. They take nothing for granted.
By acknowledging the blessings they have, they create a positive outlook that fuels their joy. It’s a trait we could all benefit from nurturing in our own lives.
3) They live with impact and minimal ego
A key trait I’ve observed in individuals who seem to find joy in every day is their ability to lead impactful lives while keeping their egos in check. This balance allows them to contribute positively to the world around them without being held back by self-focused concerns.
In my own journey, I’ve realized that our ego often stands in the way of our contentment. It pushes us to constantly seek more, leaving us unsatisfied with what we have.
But those who find joy in everyday life have learned how to minimize their ego, focusing instead on the impact they can make. They understand that true happiness lies not in what we acquire for ourselves, but what we contribute to others.
In my book, Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego, I delve into this concept further. The book explores how Buddhist principles can help us live a more fulfilling and joyful life by focusing less on our ego and more on our impact. If you’re interested in finding more joy in your everyday life, I invite you to give it a read.
4) They embrace impermanence
Those who manage to find joy in everyday life have a deep understanding of one fundamental truth: everything is impermanent. They understand that life is in a constant state of flux.
Buddha once said, “The only thing that is constant is change.” I’ve found this to be profoundly true.
The weather changes, our moods shift, people come and go in our lives, and even our own bodies are in a state of perpetual change. Recognizing this can be both liberating and empowering.
People who find joy in everyday life are not afraid of change; instead, they embrace it. They understand that while they can’t control every aspect of their lives, they can control how they respond to it.
This doesn’t mean they don’t plan for the future or learn from the past. Instead, they recognize that clinging too tightly to any specific outcome can lead to disappointment and stress.
When you find yourself resisting change, remember this: Change is a part of life. Embrace it. Go with the flow. You might just find more joy in your everyday life.
5) They understand their core values
One thing I’ve noticed in people who find joy in everyday life is that they have a deep understanding of their core values. They know what they stand for, what matters to them, and they align their actions accordingly.
In my own journey, I’ve found that understanding my core values has been instrumental in making decisions that bring me joy and fulfillment. When our actions are in line with our values, we live authentically and contentedly.
But how do you discover your core values? This was a question I grappled with until I came across a remarkable exercise by Life Transition coach, Jeanette Brown.
Jeanette’s Defining Your Values Exercise is a practical tool that guides you to identify what’s truly important to you. It helps you clearly define your values and provides a roadmap for living in alignment with them.
If you’re looking to bring more joy into your everyday life, consider gaining clarity on your core values. It could be the key to living a more fulfilling life.
6) They practice self-care
Self-care is a simple yet crucial trait of those who find joy in everyday life. They understand that taking care of their physical, emotional, and mental well-being is essential for overall happiness.
I’ve found that when we neglect our needs, it’s harder to find joy in the everyday. We might feel stressed, tired, or even burnt out. But when we prioritize self-care, we create a foundation for overall well-being and contentment.
This doesn’t mean you need to spend hours at the gym or meditate for hours on end. Self-care can be as simple as taking a few minutes each day to relax, eat well, get enough sleep, or even just laugh.
You can’t pour from an empty cup. When you feel overwhelmed by your daily routine, take a step back and do something just for you. You might find it brings a little more joy to your everyday life.
7) They live in the present moment
Living in the present moment is a common trait among those who find joy in everyday life. It’s a concept deeply rooted in mindfulness and one that I’ve personally found to be transformative.
Often, we’re so caught up in our past mistakes or future worries that we forget to live in the now. But the present moment is all we truly have. The past is gone, and the future is yet to come.
Those who find joy every day understand this. They don’t let past regrets or future anxieties steal their present joy. They focus on what they’re doing right now, whether it’s eating a meal, talking to a friend, or simply breathing.
This might seem simple, but it requires practice. Start by becoming more aware of your thoughts. When you find your mind wandering to the past or future, gently bring it back to the present.
Every moment is an opportunity for joy. Don’t let them slip away by not being fully present.
8) They aren’t afraid of failure
People who find joy in everyday life have a unique perspective on failure. They see it not as a dead-end, but as an opportunity for growth and learning.
Thomas Edison once said, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” This mindset is a common trait among joyful individuals. They understand that failure is an inevitable part of life, and instead of fearing it, they embrace it.
They know that every failure brings them one step closer to success. Every mistake is a lesson learned. They don’t let fear of failure hold them back from trying new things or pursuing their dreams.
When you face failure, remember this: It’s not the end of the world. It’s just another stepping stone on your path to success. Embrace it, learn from it, and carry on. You might find it brings more joy to your everyday life.
9) They find joy in the success of others
Now, this might seem counterintuitive. After all, isn’t life a competition? Shouldn’t we strive for our own success? Well, my personal journey and observations have taught me something different.
People who find joy in everyday life often find happiness in the success of others. Instead of viewing life as a zero-sum game, they see the success of others as proof that success is possible. They celebrate victories, even if they aren’t their own.
This attitude stems from a place of abundance rather than scarcity. They believe there’s enough joy and success to go around. And in celebrating others, they too find joy.
When you see someone succeed, try to share in their happiness. Congratulate them, cheer for them. You might find that their joy becomes your joy too.
10) They make time for what brings them joy
Finally, people who find joy in everyday life make it a point to do what they love. They understand that life is too short to be spent doing things that don’t bring them happiness.
Whether it’s reading a book, spending time in nature, cooking, painting, or simply spending time with loved ones, they make time for it. They recognize that these activities replenish their spirit and bring more joy into their lives.
This might seem like common sense, but in our busy lives, we often neglect the things that make us happy for the sake of being ‘productive.’ But what’s productivity without joy?
So, try to make a little time each day for something you love. Even if it’s just for a few minutes. You might find it makes your everyday life a little more joyful.
Conclusion
Finding joy in everyday life isn’t about grand gestures or major life events. It’s about cultivating mindfulness, embracing change, understanding your core values, and making time for what truly brings you happiness.
Each of these traits is a habit that can be developed with practice and intention. And remember, we’re all on our own unique journey to happiness. What works for one person might not work for another.
If you’re unsure where to start, I highly recommend Jeanette Brown’s Defining Your Values Exercise. It’s a practical tool to help you identify your core values and guide your journey towards everyday joy.
Remember, the pursuit of joy is a journey, not a destination. So take a step today, however small, and find a little more joy in your everyday life.
