Without a doubt, the answer to the above question is different for different people. Happiness is a mysterious, profound, and very personal thing that is manifested in countless ways in different stages of life for every single person on the planet.
That said, obviously many people find happiness in the same things. Just take a quick look around and you’ll see the evidence everywhere of shared tastes and pursuits of happiness: Joy found in spending time in nature; enjoyment from exercise and good health; the pleasure of sharing good food with good friends; the thrill of creativity in art form.
From parks to gyms to restaurants to art studios, happiness is created and shared in many ways by many people. So is there really a secret to happiness? What are the most important things for living a happy life?
As already noted, different people have different answers. But last year I received over 150 answers to that last question, and upon review and reflection noticed some common threads. Here are the highlights:*
- Approximately 71% of respondents expressed that loving, being kind, and/or doing good to others is one of the most important keys to living a happy life.
- About 69% of respondents pointed to being true to yourself, pursuing your passion, and/or having fun and enjoying life as the secret to happiness.
- Around 30% of respondents prioritized having faith and/or trusting in and following God.
- Approximately 20% of respondents said caring for and spending time with family is one of the most important things you can do to be happy.
- Other common themes and bits of advice amongst the responses included:
- Work hard
- Live out strong values
- Spend time wisely
- Be thankful
- Enjoy nature
- Take risks
- Forgive others
- Take care of your body
- Don’t chase money
- Don’t sweat the small stuff
So what does it take to lead a happy life? That’s up to you. But I think the above list is a great place to start!
*Note – all percentages are estimates based on my own assessment of the comments I received. This was not a professionally conducted survey or study and should not be considered or quoted as such.
