The Proven Path to Happiness

What will make you happy? This seems like an easy question, but with over 7 billion people in the world, it’s impossible to say that there is one right answer. However, based on your own personality and life experiences, there are several routes you can take that may prove more fulfilling than others. The goal of this guide is to outline each of these paths to happiness and provide actionable steps that you can take to achieve each one on your journey to becoming happier and more fulfilled.

Something unique in your life today

This is a really tough question, because most people think they’re doing unique and meaningful work. But I’m asking you for something that your friends and family might not know about – something about your life outside of work. Even if it’s something small, that’s okay. You don’t have to tell me what it is, just that you have it in your life today.

Think about what makes you happy

If you aren’t happy at work, chances are you’re not doing something that you love. It could be worth it to invest some time in figuring out exactly what gives you joy and then make a plan for pursuing those goals. There may be some short-term sacrifice involved in making your dreams a reality—but if your job isn’t bringing you joy, it might just be time for a change.

Start with a hobby

Once you’ve figured out what really makes you happy, it’s time to find an activity that can incorporate that passion into your life. Think about what your current hobbies are and whether or not any of them could blossom into a career. Do you love photography? Or maybe you’re great at making people laugh. Perhaps crafts are more up your alley—you might enjoy creating handmade jewelry or knitting scarves for friends and family members. It’s also possible that you haven’t been doing anything fun in recent years; now is your chance to get back into activities like playing music or writing poetry. Look around and see if there are opportunities for getting involved in new things. But beware: before jumping into something brand-new, make sure you have some experience under your belt! These endeavors will be better received if they come from someone who already has some expertise.

Find a way to connect it to your long-term career goals

Without any specific career goals in mind, there’s no way you can be happy doing meaningful work. In order to achieve happiness, you need some sort of purpose for your job—and that purpose needs to reflect your desires and ambitions. Ask yourself: What do I want? How do I want my life and career to look like in 5 years from now? What are my specific goals? If you have an answer to these questions, then it’s time to connect it with what really matters to you. Remember: You will spend more time working than living, so choose a career where you enjoy your job, rather than dreading it on a daily basis! What does a day in your perfect working environment look like? Spend several minutes every few days reflecting on these questions.

Try different things until you find something you like

For some people, happiness can come from following a passion project or getting involved in an organization they care about. For others, happiness comes from participating in hobbies and activities that occupy their free time. And for many of us, work is just as—if not more—valuable than play when it comes to achieving a state of happiness. Whatever makes you happy, try different things until you find something you like; once you do, make it a part of your life.

Keep looking until you find your passion, then work hard towards it

Too many people start a job, thinking it’s their dream job, only to realize six months down the line that they don’t love it. That could be because you were too passive in your career search or because you found yourself in a situation where there was no obvious connection between your skills and your interests. To avoid having a job that makes you miserable, take an active role in finding one that inspires you.