How to Improve Your Happiness: Tips from Shawn Achor

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Co-authored by Shawn Achor

Happiness isn't about the destination, it's about the journey. You've heard this before, and you're ready to start moving forward. But how?

Take this AI-powered quiz with tips from expert Shawn Achor, and we'll tell you everything you need to know. To learn how you can become a happier, healthier you, click "Start Quiz" now.

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Questions Overview

1. How optimistic or positive are you?
    2. How do you typically respond to high-stress situations?
      3. How do you respond to failures or setbacks?
        4. What daily routines or habits do you have that support your happiness?
          5. What motivates you or gives you purpose in life?
            6. What do you do to rest and recover when feeling worn out?
              7. How do your day-to-day activities connect to your life goals?
                8. How often do you spend time with people you love?

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                  First, let's focus on using gratitude to build a happiness advantage. Start each day by writing down three positive things you are grateful for to shift your mindset towards positivity. This simple act of gratitude can rewire your brain to notice and appreciate the good, setting the foundation for a happier and more successful life.

                  Next, seek to find meaning in everyday tasks. Take a mundane activity and connect it to a larger goal or purpose that resonates with you. Ask yourself why you are doing what you are doing. This approach can transform routine tasks into fulfilling experiences, keeping you motivated and engaged in your journey toward happiness.

                  Lastly, consider practicing rational optimism. Acknowledge any challenges you face, but choose to focus on the potential for positive outcomes. By actively challenging negative thoughts and reframing them positively, you can foster resilience and optimism, which are essential for long-term happiness.

                  Remember, happiness is a journey, not a destination. By taking these small, intentional steps, you can create a ripple effect of positivity that not only enhances your own well-being but also uplifts those around you. Your potential for happiness is limitless\u2014embrace it with an open heart and a positive mindset.","edit_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Be-Happy"},{"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Find-Your-Purpose-in-Life"}],"link_data":[{"title":"How to Be Happy","id":6253,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Be-Happy","image":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/6b\/Come-to-Terms-with-Feeling-Ugly-Step-7-Version-3.jpg\/-crop-200-200-200px-Come-to-Terms-with-Feeling-Ugly-Step-7-Version-3.jpg","alt":"How to Be Happy"},{"title":"The Best Ways to Find Your Purpose at Any Age","id":745045,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Find-Your-Purpose-in-Life","image":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e5\/Find-Your-Purpose-in-Life-Step-13-Version-2.jpg\/-crop-200-200-200px-Find-Your-Purpose-in-Life-Step-13-Version-2.jpg","alt":"The Best Ways to Find Your Purpose at Any Age"}],"minimum":0}]" class="quiz_results_data"/>\"Loneliness<\/picture>","alt":"How Lonely Am I Quiz"},{"title":"Depression Test","id":13624617,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Depression-Test","image":"\"Depression<\/picture>","alt":"Depression Test"},{"title":"Do I Have Anxiety Quiz","id":14309964,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Anxiety-Test","image":"\"Anxiety<\/picture>","alt":"Do I Have Anxiety Quiz"}],"number":1},{"text":"My physical health","result":"We're here for that! Let's dive in:","next_quizzes":[{"title":"Which Diet Is Right for Me Quiz","id":13548812,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Which-diet-is-right-for-me-quiz","image":"\"Which<\/picture>","alt":"Which Diet Is Right for Me Quiz"},{"title":"Why Am I So Bloated Quiz","id":14196055,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Why-Am-I-So-Bloated","image":"\"Why<\/picture>","alt":"Why Am I So Bloated Quiz"},{"title":"Why Am I So Tired Quiz","id":13500176,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Why-Am-I-So-Tired-Quiz","image":"\"Why<\/picture>","alt":"Why Am I So Tired Quiz"}],"number":2}]}" class="quiz_questionnaire_data"/>

                  The Happiness Advantage: 7 Principles to Change Your Life

                  Principle #1: The Happiness Advantage.
                  Happiness isn’t just an emotion or a state of being—it’s also a tool, a source of energy, and an advantage . Happier people tend to excel in work and in their relationships. There's a long-held belief that in order to reach our goals, we have to be miserable. Though, according to the research, this isn't actually true at all. To meet your max potential (and enjoy yourself in the process), it actually pays to invest in your personal happiness.

                  Principle #2: The Fulcrum and the Lever. You’ve heard people say that mindset is everything, and the science agrees with this. There’s endless evidence to suggest that in your life, some of the most important variables won’t be found in your external environment. But in fact, your perceived reality and your belief in yourself could be the biggest needle movers. To be successful, you have to master your mindset.

                  Principle #3: The Tetris Effect. For maintaining a positive mood, perception is key. Good things and bad things happen to each of us every day—but our mood often depends on where we lay our focus. By training your brain to value the positives and shake off the negatives, you can naturally become a happier, more positive person over time.

                  Principle #4: Falling Up. When we experience hardship or failure, we have two options: let that failure hold us back, or let it be a lesson that strengthens us. People fail all the time—that’s just a part of being human. But how we react to failure, that’s what defines us. The most successful and content people consider failure to be an opportunity for growth.

                  Principle #5: The Zorro Circle. Generally speaking, positive feelings spur on our greatest moments of inspiration, clear-thinking, and problem-solving. But when we’re stuck in a moment of stress or crisis, we’re in a different space—a more negative space. If we’re able to focus on what we can control, though, then we can face our problems with more clarity and strength.

                  Principle #6: The 20-Second Rule. Healthy habits make us happier in life, and most people understand that this is true. Yet for some of us, even with the greatest desire to change, positive routines are hard to keep. Replacing unhealthy habits isn’t always a matter of willpower—sometimes, all you need is to make sure that the healthy choice is also the easiest choice.

                  Principle #7: Social Investment. Is it lonely at the top? Research says no. Generally speaking, the happiest and most successful people in life are also enriched with deep, meaningful relationships. Even though it might feel counterproductive at times, investing in our friends and family can actually leave us closer to reaching our loftiest goals.

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