Creating a happy life is a never-ending journey but it is within your reach. In this article, I’ll share with you the essential steps you can take to create a truly happy life. These simple steps, based on 30 years of coaching experience, have brought about remarkable transformations in the lives of my clients.
From doing a bit of navel-gazing with self-discovery to setting meaningful goals, each step is a game-changer on your journey to happiness. So, get ready to dive into the seven steps that will take you toward happiness and joy!
Step 1: Embrace Self-Discovery
First, to start creating a happy life you need to be open to a bit of self-discovery. By exploring your passions, interests, and values, you lay the foundation for a life aligned with your true self.
One of my private 1-1 coaching clients, Melissa, who was struggling with a career that didn’t fulfill her, took the courageous step of leaving her well-paid executive career to follow her true passions—dogs and wine! She knew she loved dogs and was already volunteering to rescue dogs in her spare time. But, she didn’t believe she could build a viable career or business around her passion. It took a bit of coaching, but she succeeded! (Read about her complete life transformation from frustrated human resources director to the happy owner of her own doggy daycare business, Hip Hounds.) Orienting her life around her passions opened up a world of happiness and purpose for her.
Step 2: Build Positive Relationships
In the pursuit of happiness, not much beats building positive relationships. Surrounding yourself with uplifting, supportive individuals can make a world of difference, and can even extend your life, according to the author of The Blue Zones.
For example, I once had a coaching client who was caught up with a group of toxic friends who drained her energy. We worked on raising her standards and setting boundaries. Finally, she realized that she had to let go of the people who were bringing her down. Then, she could start attracting genuine, caring friends. As she surrounded herself with positive influences, her life gradually transformed. Her new friends truly cared about her and not only made her laugh but gave her encouragement and support. And let’s face it, without good friends it’s hard to create a happy life.
Step 3: Practice Gratitude Daily
Gratitude is an incredibly powerful catalyst for happiness. By incorporating a daily gratitude practice into your life, you invite positivity and appreciation. I had a client who struggled with negativity and a constant focus on what was wrong with his life. Through the simple act of expressing gratitude each day, he gradually rewired his mindset. As he shifted his focus to the abundance in his life, his happiness expanded exponentially. By switching his focus from what he was lacking to what he was grateful for, he realized just how much love and kindness he received from the people around him. As he looked for ways to express his gratitude every day, he started looking for the good, instead of focusing on the bad. It really is that simple.
Step 4: Live Mindfully
In today’s digital world, living mindfully is an essential skill for creating a happy life. Mindfulness is the practice of being fully present and engaged in the current moment. I worked with a client, a high-achieving professional, who constantly felt overwhelmed and disconnected from herself. By introducing mindfulness exercises into her routine, such as mindful breathing and meditation, she discovered the power of slowing down and savoring the present. Her newfound presence brought a sense of calm as well as a deeper connection to her friends and family.
One way to become more mindful is to simply unplug from your devices for several hours every day. You might also try a simple 10-minute meditation at calm.com or headspace.com.
Step 5: Prioritize Self-Care
Creating a happy life requires prioritizing your own well-being. Self-care is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. For example, I recall working with a client who was a devoted mother to two small children, but in the midst of her responsibilities, she was neglecting her own needs. In our calls together, we explored ways to integrate self-care into her daily routine.
She started by asking her husband to look after the children one night a week so that she could go out for a bike ride with friends. From carving out time for a relaxing bath to engaging in activities she loved, she experienced a profound transformation. For one thing, she stopped resenting her husband! Prioritizing self-care ultimately allowed her to show up as a happier and more fulfilled parent and a more loving partner.
Step 6: Align Your Goals with Your Values
Meaningful goals give purpose and direction on your journey toward happiness. By identifying what truly matters to you and setting goals aligned with your values, you create a roadmap to fulfillment. I had a client who longed to make a career change and pursue her passion for environmental conservation. Together, we crafted a clear vision and set specific goals to make it a reality. Creating a happy life requires setting meaningful goals that resonate with your deepest desires and values. When you have clear objectives, you have a roadmap that guides you toward your dreams.
I worked with a client who felt adrift in life, lacking a sense of purpose and direction. Through our coaching sessions, we delved into her passions, values, and aspirations. Then we set specific, actionable goals that aligned with her authentic self. As she began making progress toward her goals, she experienced a newfound sense of purpose and fulfillment. Each milestone achieved brought her closer to the life she had always envisioned, fueling her happiness along the way.
For example, one of her goals was to start a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting underprivileged children’s education. She broke this grand vision down into manageable steps, such as conducting research, building a team, and securing funding. Each step she accomplished reinforced her sense of purpose and ignited her passion for making a positive impact. When you set meaningful goals that align with your core values, you gain a sense of direction, fulfillment, and, yes, that elusive happiness.
Step 7: Find a Career or Work You Love
A significant aspect of creating a happy life is finding a career or work that aligns with your passions and values. Spending a large portion of your time engaged in work you love can bring a profound sense of fulfillment and joy.
Once I had a client who felt stuck in a job that didn’t resonate with her true interests. After taking the assessments in the Career Change Kit, she gained clarity about her true calling. Then, she took the leap to pursue a career in a field she was genuinely passionate about. The transformation in her life was remarkable. She woke up each day excited and motivated to make a difference in her chosen profession.
By finding work that ignites your soul, you can unlock a whole new level of happiness and purpose in your life.
Finally, as you begin to take these seven steps toward happiness you will make significant strides towards finding true joy and fulfillment. You’ve no doubt heard that happiness is not a destination; it’s a way of life. Each day is an opportunity to follow your heart’s desire and pursue the things that bring you happiness. So, trust in yourself and the process, and know that you have the power to create the life you desire!
