An 8 Step Plan For Long Term Happiness
You have probably read many articles about achieving happiness. Everyone has their own perspective and roadmap to happiness; however, I am excited to share with you mine.
I truly believe that happiness is a state of mind. A lot of people tell us to choose happiness and although that is partially correct, it is not easy for everyone. There is a very important step in your journey to happiness, and that is rewiring your brain.
But the people who feel miserable are not able to just snap out of it and choose to be happy, they need to practice. This is all about self-growth. Our minds absorb information throughout our whole lives and if someone is exposed to negativity often, they will be miserable. Here are some steps to take to rewire your brain…
Step 1: Choose To Change
Congratulations! You have already completed step 1 by reading this article.
Step 2: Think About Where You Are In Life
Now that you’ve decided that you want to change, let’s analyze each part of your life and what you need to change. Answer these questions…
What is your outlook on life?
What is your perspective on the world?
How do you feel about your friends and family?
Write all of that down because that is what you are going to focus on.
Step 3: Cry
I know that sounds like horrible advice, but let me explain. When you are in a negative state of mind, you are holding in a lot of baggage that needs to be let go to fit in the positivity. It is very healthy for humans to let out a good cry once in a while. This helps avoid holding in any anger. Just let it all out.
Step 4: Write Down Your Aspirations
Now that you have let out all the negativity, answer these questions…
What are your goals in life?
Who do you want to be?
Write down your answers then think of your family and friends. Who will support these goals that you have? Find those people and surround yourself with them.
The five main people in your life are a representation of who you are as a person. Make sure that these five people share the same values as you because if your support team doesn’t believe the same thing then it will be more difficult to grow.
Step 5: Follow Positive Influencers
If you are into the social media scene like me, I recommend following people who share the same values. It is common for us to find ourselves mindlessly scrolling through Instagram. You might as well follow people who stand for something that you stand for so you can exercise your mind to fit the mindset you are aiming for.
Step 6: Avoid Stress
It is proven that the more you stress out, the more likely you are to fall back into your old habits. The mind is trained to take the easy route out. For example, if you are a recovering alcoholic and a stressful event happens to you, you are more likely to begin drinking again. I know it can be inevitable to avoid stressful events, but practicing meditation and mindfulness can go a long way.
Step 7: Talk To Yourself
Your mind absorbs what you say to it. Think about it like this — if you were bullied, you most likely have low self-esteem because your brain believes the words the bully said. If you call yourself worthless and stupid, you are going to believe that you are stupid.
Don’t be your own bully.
Be Your Own Cheerleader.
Look in the mirror and tell yourself that you can achieve anything. It is the absolute truth that you can if you truly believe in yourself.
Personally, if this was ten years ago, I wouldn’t be writing this article because I didn’t have the confidence I have today. I have no professional writing background. I never thought I could write until I started typing on here. I know this is cliche, but you can do anything you set your mind to. I believe in you.
Step 8: Invest In Yourself
Growing as a person requires educating yourself. Invest in books and listen to podcasts. I recommend the podcast “On Purpose” by Jay Shetty. He really helps you change your perspective on multiple different topics and issues going on in today’s world. For books, I recommend the Slight Edge. This book taught me that the little things you do each day have a bigger impact than what you would expect. There are more self-improvement books and podcast out there, but those are the two that have helped me. Learning never stops. If you stop learning then you stop growing.
There is so much advice out there on how to be happy. People say to go to the gym, to laugh, and to spend time with friends. Those activities can make you happy, but it is temporary happiness. Your adrenaline from the gym is eventually going to wear off. Laughing and spending time with friends may last for a couple of hours then wear off when you are trapped with your thoughts going to bed.
The best way for long term happiness is to be patient and to work on your mindset.
Your mindset is EVERYTHING.
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