20 Traits Happy People Have in Common

One of the three tenets of Naked Girl in a Dress is happiness, which is why it is written about here often. I have touched upon topics of gratitude, embracing change, optimism, forgiveness, happiness being a choice, and more. While there have been little happiness nuggets spread throughout this site, I thought it would be helpful to give a more comprehensive look at happiness in one post. This is the result of that effort. Many of the traits listed are from reviewing my own posts about happiness, reading articles, and then culling the list to what I felt were the most essential and oft-repeated messages related to being happy.

1. A Grateful Attitude-Counting blessings–being happy with what they already have–is one trait that leads them to a happier life.
2. Forgiveness-It is not possible to release the past if bad feelings are continuing to be harbored. Happy people have learned to forgive and move forward. Not just people who have wronged them, but forgiving themselves of mistakes as well.
3. Accept Accountability-Taking responsibility for their actions and the outcomes is one thing happy people have in common. By not blaming others and accepting responsibility for mistakes in life, happy people are able to take control of their destiny more effectively.
4. An Exercise Regimen-Part of being mentally and emotionally fit has to do with being physically fit. Happy people aren’t focused on exercise from a vanity perspective, but rather understand it is one key to being happy, and leads to a better quality of life.
5. Are Present in the Moment-Focusing on past events that cannot be changed, or worrying about future events robs people of fully experiencing life as it is unfolding. Happy people know great joy is found in being caught up in the moment–no matter how small the moment might seem.
6. Optimistic-Happy people are also positive people. They are able to find the good in every situation–no matter how challenging that might be.
7. Have Multiple Passions-Being multi-dimensional and embracing more in life leads to a happier existence. Interests in activities beyond work, family, and friends is common with happy people. These passions help bring additional joy to the happy person’s life.
8. Embrace Change-Being happy requires an understanding and acceptance surrounding change. It’s essential to have the ability to depart a comfort zone to be able to grow.
9. Enjoy Making Others Happy-Happiness never comes from a place of selfishness. Happy people are typically kind, generous, and take pleasure in helping others.
10. Know Happiness is a Choice-This is one of the most important traits of happy people; they know it’s a conscious decision to be happy.
11. Are Ambitious-It is common for happy people to be busy, productive, and working towards a goal. These people are practicing, taking control and choosing to live their best life.
12. Know What They Want-Having a clear life plan with what they want in all aspects of life is common with happy people. There’s a road map created, and it is being followed.
13. Don’t Complain-Happy people know complaining is a waste of time and energy.
14. Avoid Toxic People-By choosing to be surrounded by like-minded people with a positive outlook on life aids happy people in having good thoughts and feelings about life and the ability be be happy.
15. Solutions Driven-Happy people believe in their ability to work around any challenge. It’s another way they are proactive, believing they can make a positive impact on their own lives.
16. Secure-Being comfortable with who they are is another common trait. Self worth is established around who they are and how they live life, not material possessions or the evaluation of others.
17. Face Challenges-Roadblocks are a stepping stone towards personal growth. Happy people know how to work through difficult times, and learn from the difficult experiences.
18. Life-Long Learners-Through academic pursuits and personal life experiences, happy people are constantly working on educating themselves. This trait drives them to be intellectually curious, wanting to have a better understanding of the world around them.
19. Balanced-Happy people understand pleasure is derived from experiences with family, work, friends, and other interests. There is also clarity that balancing is another key to happiness;  it creates harmony in their lives.
20. Understand Their Core Values-Just as they understand their life plan, happy people have a deep understanding of their core values. They do their best to live life according to these personal standards; they have their moral compass as a guide.

What traits have you seen in happy people that resonated?

What would you add to the list? 

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