psychology
These 4 simple rules will make you happier
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Do you feel like you’re constantly making the wrong decisions? Is your life not turning out the way you want it to? These simple rules can help you be more satisfied.
What does it really take for a good life? Lots of money, success and constant sunshine? It’s actually much easier because we have control over most of the things that make us happy. Once our basic needs are met, i.e. a roof over our heads, enough to eat and a safe environment, ours is ours There is more satisfaction in ourselves than we often believe. And it’s not because of how hard we fight for supposed success. Instead, simple rules by which we guide our lives and our values can make a big difference.
4 simple life rules that will make you happier
1. Anyone who hesitates means no
Are you often faced with decisions that make you hesitate to say yes? Where you just don’t know what to do? For example, a job that you are unsure whether you should take. There is a simple rule that will help you with almost all decisions: If you have trouble saying yes, it’s usually because you actually mean no. Because when you really want something, you know it deep down.
You’ll make your life a lot easier if you follow this principle when making decisions: If it’s not a clear yes, it’s a no. And at the same time, you will also learn to listen better to your inner voice.
2. Detach yourself from other people’s expectations
From an early age we are generally taught how we should be, what we should do and what we should definitely not do. What a “successful life” should look like. Newsflash: You don’t have to meet these expectations of your family, your environment and society. You are free to design your life exactly how you want it.
Do you want to climb the career ladder, have 1.5 children and buy a house? Perfect, then do exactly that. But it’s just as okay if you want something different. As soon as you manage to separate your personal desires and goals from the expectations of others, you will become much happier.
3. Be grateful
Our society is designed for growth. We should all always want more and never be satisfied with what we have. But that is often the root of all unhappiness. Instead of always thinking about what we don’t have and what we absolutely need to finally be happy, we should regularly remind ourselves of what we already have.
What are you grateful for? Your beautiful apartment, your pet, your children, something to eat, your television? No matter what it is, reminding yourself of it over and over again will make you happier in the long run. The positive effects of gratitude on our satisfaction and our health have now been scientifically proven.
4. Celebrate the small successes
Another important rule that will make you happier in the long term: celebrate not only the big successes in life – a new job, traveling around the world, buying a condo – but also the small ones! Have you jumped over your shadow and finally dared to talk to your crush? Congratulations, be proud of yourself and treat yourself to a nice coffee or dance around the apartment. Have you finally managed to wake up earlier for a week? Celebrate this achievement! The more you celebrate your small successes, the happier you will be in the long term.