Happiness is a Choice: Shift Perspective for a Happy Life

“Happiness is a choice that requires effort at times.” — Aeschylus

Can we really choose happiness? When everything feels chaotic, believing in this choice can be tough. Life’s full of surprises we can’t control, but how do we react? That’s on us.

Choosing happiness isn’t just a mood booster—it’s a game-changer for our body and mind. Having a happy life boosts resilience, confidence, and self-belief. It’s what helps us tackle life’s tricky moments.

Our Happiness Set Point sets our vibe. Life’s ups and downs sway how happy we feel, especially when tough stuff hits.

The great news? A big portion of it is in our hands. Let’s learn how this whole ‘happiness is a choice’ thing works and how to grab onto it every single day.

Table of Contents

Why Happiness is a Choice
Why is it so difficult to choose happiness
If happiness is a choice, what steps can I take to actively influence it?
Happiness is a choice, 10 Tips to Choose it
Wrapping-up

Why Happiness is a Choice?

Happiness is a choice—not a random gift—it’s a decision. It’s like choosing your own adventure, finding light in the dark, and seeing the positive in every twist life throws your way. It’s not always an easy pick. When sadness hits, a bad mood is natural. But it’s not mandatory! Choosing love and happiness makes you stronger and wiser.

Psychologist Sonja Lyubomirsky says about half of our happiness is in our genes. With effort, you push it up. You have to train your brain to see the sunny side. Adapting your attitude might be tricky, but totally worth it. When you opt for happiness, things start falling into place, luck seems to tag along, and even when life doesn’t play nice. Deciding to be happy doesn’t mean ignoring reality—it’s about making the best of what you’ve got. Choosing happiness helps you see opportunities and make the most of every situation.

Why is it so difficult to choose happiness?

Many people find it difficult to find happiness, there are a bunch of things that stop us from going for happiness, but five big ones stick out.

Take a look at these common hurdles, to help us understand why it’s not always easy to go for joy.

As we grow up, we pick up ideas about happiness from our families, cultures, and society. These ideas set standards for what being happy should be, kind of like a map. But sometimes, these rules make it hard to figure out what truly makes us happy. They push us to follow what everyone else does, making it tough to listen to what really makes us feel good inside.

In today’s world, social media shows only the best moments, like a highlight reel of happiness. Looking at these can make us compare ourselves, feeling like we’re not doing as well. We measure our happiness against others’ highlight reels, often feeling inadequate or envious, which can make it hard to pick what really makes us happy.

Sometimes, we think we will be happy when we reach our final destination and we miss enjoying today’s little moments. Little moments, like a good cup of coffee or a friendly chat, make today special. By keeping our eyes only on that faraway happiness, we might overlook the everyday joy all around us.

Forgiving yourself for past mistakes can be really tough. But it’s necessary for moving forward. If you can, make things right and then let it go. But what comes after that? A happier life, that rises above your past. Decide to begin anew and bring happiness into your life. It’s about giving yourself a fresh start and aiming for joy.

Stuck in the same old pattern? It’s okay to feel scared of change—it’s like a safety zone, but it’s not really helpful. That fear of what’s new? It’s like a big wall blocking happiness. But you know what? Change is like a secret path to learning more about yourself. Stepping beyond the usual is how you find what really makes you happy. Don’t let fear hold you back from that happiness hunt!

If happiness is a choice, what steps can I take to actively influence it?

Did you know we make on average 35,000 conscious decisions in a single day, ranging from small choices—like which podcast to listen to or which movie to watch—to the life-altering ones about who to love, how to rearrange our workplace, or whether to change careers? What’s fascinating is that all these decisions, big or small, are fundamentally driven by one common desire happiness.

Happiness isn’t just about chance or circumstances. While genetics contribute about half of our happiness, circumstances hold 10%, leaving 40% influenced by our daily activities. Though we can’t always control circumstances, we wield more power over our life activity. By focusing on better choices here, which supposedly impact 40% of our happiness, we can intentionally elevate our happiness levels. We can even opt to make choosing happiness a significant life decision.

You might be thinking, ‘Sounds good, but life’s tough, right?’ Absolutely! Life throws challenges, changes happen, and things can get messy. But here’s the secret, tough times don’t mean life’s all bad. Happiness is not from what’s happening around you. It’s a choice you make inside yourself, no matter what life situations come your way.

Happiness is a choice, 10 Tips to Choose it

Here are some great tips to bring more happiness into your day. Don’t worry if you can’t try them all at once—just pick one that matches your likes, personality, what matters to you, and your background. It’s like planting a seed of happiness and watching it bloom.

1. Choose to become the most awesome version of yourself

“Happiness does not come from things. It comes from what you do inside.” —Tony Robbins

Start by being okay with who you are. Then, find things you really like doing—things that make you excited. Do them often and get really good at them. Instead of striving to be better than anyone else, focus on being the best version of yourself.

Continuously aim to improve, but bear in mind your only comparison be with your past self, don’t compare yourself with others. Measure your progress by looking back at how far you’ve come and how much you’ve grown. That’s the true measure of success and your success will give you happiness.

It’s important to try new things, even if they make you little bit nervous. That’s how you grow and become stronger. And when things don’t go perfectly, it’s okay! Mistakes teach you important lessons.

2. Choose a positive outlook

Happiness is a choice so, Choose a positive outlook — Photo via Pixabay

Have you experienced a day where things just keep going wrong? We’ve all been there. But “Every problem has a hidden opportunity”? Changing your perspective on how you see things can instantly make you feel better.

Maybe your favorite coffee shop is closed, and you’re craving your morning coffee. Just try a new café and find a delightful new blend you love even more! Or perhaps your phone ran out of battery while you were out. It’s frustrating, but it’s a chance to enjoy the moment without distractions and view the world around you.

Focus on what you have rather than what’s missing. Develop a positive mindset, and those little annoyances won’t seem as bothersome. Before you realize it, happiness will be your natural state of being.

3. Learn something new

Learning something new is an amazing journey! There are so many skills waiting for you, so pick one that really gets you excited.—a hobby, a language, or a skill you’ve always wanted to explore.

There are lots of resources out there—books, online courses, videos, or local classes—that suit different learning styles. Create a schedule that fits your routine, even a few minutes a day adds up.

Actively engage with your chosen topic! Try different methods to see what works best for you. Don’t hesitate to ask for help or seek guidance from mentors.

Learning new skills makes us curious and feel proud of what we’ve achieved. These things together make us feel happy and good about ourselves.

4. Practice self-care

Taking care of ourselves has multiple benefits, It lowers stress, boosts your immune system, makes your mind feel better, helps you sleep well, and reduces the chances of getting sick for a long time.

Self-care isn’t just about fancy spa days (though those can be awesome). It’s also about the little things you do every day. Maybe it’s a few minutes of quiet time with a book, a walk outside to soak up nature, or even dancing to your favorite tunes.

When you start taking care of yourself, you naturally want to give your body what it needs: sleep, good food, water, meditation, and exercise. By doing this we treat ourselves well, and we create a positive vibe of self-acceptance and feeling good, which changes how we see ourselves and others.

Making self-care a habit is like taking care of the most special thing in the world —it needs love and attention to thrive. So, be kind to yourself and make self-love a regular part of your routine. Because You deserve it!

Related:

5. Spread happiness

Simple acts can have a big impact. Smile and greet your neighbors, happiness is a choice—Research has found that spreading happiness to others is a top way to boost your own joy.

There are many ways to help others when someone needs it, whether it’s carrying groceries or volunteering your time. You could organize a clean-up day or host a fun event that gets everyone together. How about sharing your skills, like teaching something you’re good at or baking yummy treats to share? Even leaving a nice note or complimenting someone can make their whole week brighter.

Just being kind to people can do wonders! It’s like building a big, friendly community where everyone’s happy. So, think about how you can spread a little happiness around your neighborhood.

Related:

6. Happiness is a choice— Choose to Limit your screen time

Choosing to limit screen time means giving your brain a breath of fresh air! Finding a balance between the digital world and the world outside your screen.

According to Nielson, adults in America spend an average of ten hours every day watching screens. Studies have indicated a potential link between increased social media use and symptoms of depression.

When you spend too much time in front of screens—like phones, computers, or TVs—you miss out on many cool stuff happening around you. Limiting screen time gives you a chance to explore other hobbies, connect with family and friends face-to-face, or enjoy nature’s beauty.

Don’t say bye-bye to screens forever. But setting boundaries can help you sleep better, boost your focus, and give your eyes and brain a break. Finding healthy and good habits can make your life more awesome.

7. Set strong boundaries

Boundaries aren’t walls to keep people out; they’re guidelines to let others know how you want to be treated. Sometimes, certain people or situations can drain your energy. Learn to say “No” to things that don’t serve your best This can help you value your needs and desires above all else.

In reverse, spend time with positive people, who uplift and support you. Create a circle of friends who reflect the person you want to become. People whose presence naturally brightens your days. By distancing yourself from negativity, you identify the genuine YOU— and it is the only path to an authentic and fulfilling life.

How to Express Emotion & 7 Ways to Control Negative Emotions

8. Choose kindness

Being kind to others not only makes them feel good but it also comes back to you. Research on kindness has indicated that after helping others majority of participants reported feeling stronger, calmer, and more energetic.

Other studies have shown that kindness can help reduce stress levels. When we’re kind to others, our brain releases oxytocin, often known as the “love hormone” or “feel-good hormone.” It has been connected with lower blood pressure and reduced stress levels among other things.

It’s like building a bridge between people. The more kindness you share, the more happiness you invite into your own life. It’s not about doing something big—just being genuinely nice can create a ripple effect of joy. Remember, “happiness is a choice.” and choosing kindness makes you happier.

Related:

9. Find Joy in small things

Don’t always find happiness in grand moments; it’s nestled in the small, think of it as discovering little gems in the simplest of moments.

Everyday things light up our days like twinkling stars in the sky. It’s in the morning sun gently peeking through your window, in the aroma of your favorite coffee, or in the laughter of a loved one. Even a warm hug, or a friendly smile from a stranger—these are the little pockets of happiness that paint the canvas of our lives. Notice the beauty in the ordinary and celebrate these small victories. I think we may not fully enjoy big achievements when we ignore these sweet and small everyday pleasures.

10. Welcome the next step in your life

What’s next in my life feels like getting a surprise gift. It’s a mix of excitement and a little bit of nervousness, kind of like starting a new adventure where I’m the main character creating my story.

The happiness comes from leaving behind what doesn’t work anymore and jumping into something fresh and full of possibilities.

Each new step is a chance to learn, grow, and meet new versions of myself. That’s where the happiness comes in—exploring who I am, looking forward to new experiences, and being brave enough to face the unknown with a smile.

Wrapping-up

Finding happiness might seem tough, but it’s absolutely possible. Everyone deserves to discover joy and build a positive mindset that helps them savor the good times and handle the tough ones.

As Abraham Lincoln said, “Most people are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.” Happiness is a choice so, You can decide to be happy starting now! Keep that positivity going, and let your happiness spread to everyone nearby. Life’s too short to spend it feeling anything less than joyful.