How to Get Happy

There is a misconception among some people that if you are happy, you are not being serious.  On the contrary, happy people are very serious. They get plenty of work done, and probably get more work done.  The reason is if you don’t’ feel good, or you are distracted, depressed, anxious, you are going to put more effort in to that then the work that needs to be done. 

Happy people, truly happy people are more productive, and less ill.  They are not going to do a lot of complaining and whining.  The emotion happy actually produces endorphins that make you feel good, so there is less to complain about.  Since misery loves company, happy people aren’t going to fit into that crowd.  

Is there a formula for being happy? Happy is about getting your needs met. If you feel warm and safe and dry you are half way there. If you have friends, family and love in your life, that equals another step. If you are truly doing what you are meant to do, you have realized true happiness.

That is also the first three steps of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs.

So that formula, how to get happy when you’re not? Start by making a list of what would make you happy. Set some goals, watch some silly cat videos and smile.

The whole hierarchy is structured in a pyramid. If you are not familiar it looks like this: First is Biological and physical needs, then safety, then love and relationships. 4^th is self esteem, then education and the desire to think on different things and perspectives. 6^th is aesthetic needs meaning you will look for beauty in the world and others. And last is self actualization and transcendence.  If you are here you are truly a happy being. You understand the true meaning of life and happiness, and you are here to teach and guide the rest of us.

So step one of the happiness formula, get your basic needs met—levels 1 through 3. Then work on number 3, Self Esteem. Feel really grounded in yourself, and don’t let anyone pull you off center. Smile. Use 

Happiness Cards. Draw one every morning. And say “Today I am…”  Do your best, and don’t worry about what other people think. It’s your life, your happiness.

So the formula:  how to get happy when you’re not? Start by making a list of what would make you happy. Set some goals, watch some silly cat videos and smile.