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Discover the daily habits of ridiculously happy people. Understand how you can incorporate those habits to transform your life with positivity and joy.

11 Daily Habits of Ridiculously Happy People

May 16, 2024

By Will Moore

‘’Happiness is not something ready-made. It comes from your own actions.” - Dalai Lama.

We’ve all been taught that happiness follows success - if we work harder, make more money, and achieve more goals, we’ll finally be happy. But what if I told you that the key to success is taking charge of your own happiness? What if happiness itself is actually the fuel that powers our ability to be successful?

Numerous studies show that a positive mindset can extend your lifespan by up to 7 years, with 85% of people experiencing less depression and anxiety. When you’re in a positive mindset, you naturally have more energy, motivation, and resilience to tackle challenges head-on. As Shawn Achor, author of The Happiness Advantage, puts it: “Happiness actually fuels success, not the other way around.”

That’s why cultivating sustainable happiness is the key to building unstoppable momentum in your life.

So, what exactly are the secrets of truly happy people? How do they rise above the daily stresses and grind to not just survive but thrive?

Let’s take a look at 11 habits of ridiculously happy people to embrace to live life to the fullest:

11 Habits of Happy People

1. They Embrace a Growth Mindset

Instead of getting bogged down by perfectionism, happy people understand that personal growth is a journey, not a destination. They don’t beat themselves up over mistakes or setbacks; instead, they view these as opportunities to learn and improve. As Carol Dweck, the pioneer of growth mindset theory, states: “In a growth mindset, challenges are exciting rather than threatening.”

Read About Growth Mindset Questions to Fuel your Journey

Moreover, according to a study from the Stanford Graduate School of Business, adopting a growth mindset can significantly boost happiness at work.

Here are some ways to develop a growth mindset:

  • Reframe failures as lessons learned: View each setback as a stepping stone towards greater knowledge and skill.

  • Celebrate small wins and progress: Acknowledge and take joy in the incremental achievements that contribute to long-term success. Recognize that each effort contributes to leveling up in life.

  • Seek out constructive feedback: Use critiques as a tool for self-improvement, not as a measure of self-worth.

  • Focus on effort over results: Value the process of striving and learning rather than fixating solely on the outcome.

2. They Make Time for Fun and Play

When was the last time you did something purely for the joy of it? Happy people make play a priority, not an afterthought. They understand that gamifying their lives is a powerful antidote to stress and negative emotions. You can also read our article on how to gamify your life.

Some ways to incorporate more play:

  • Schedule regular “recess” time for hobbies or activities you enjoy

  • Gamify your chores or friendly competitions. List all the tasks that need to be done on a weekly basis. Assign points to each chore based on its difficulty or time requirement (e.g., washing dishes = 10 points, vacuuming the house = 20 points, mowing the lawn = 30 points).

  • Spend time around children and let their sense of wonder rub off on you

  • Don’t take yourself too seriously – laugh at your mistakes

3. They Practice Mindfulness

"The present moment is filled with joy and happiness. If you are attentive, you will see it." - Thich Nhat Hanh.

One of the habits of successful people is that they don't dwell on the past or obsess over the future; they make a conscious effort to stay present and savor life's simple pleasures. This mindfulness allows them to appreciate the small joys that often go unnoticed. Also, they are not shy seeking advice from mental health professionals to strengthen their emotional resilience.

Try these mindfulness exercises:

  • Take a few deep breaths and tune into your senses.

  • Go for a walk without distractions, noticing your surroundings.

  • Practice gratitude by listing a few things you're thankful for.

  • Eat slowly and savor each bite of your food.

4. They Prioritize Positive Relationships

“Surround yourself with only people who are going to lift you higher.” - Oprah Winfrey

Humans are social creatures, and our relationships have a profound impact on our happiness levels and overall well-being. Happy people understand this, and they make nurturing supportive connections a top priority. They know the art of building emotionally healthy relationships.

Ways to cultivate positive relationships:

  • Schedule regular quality time with loved ones

  • Limit time with negative or toxic people

  • Join a club or group with shared interests

  • Reach out and reconnect with old friends

5. They Move Their Bodies Regularly

“Those who think they have no time for bodily exercise will sooner or later have to find time for illness.” - Edward Stanley.

Exercise isn’t just good for your physical health but also a powerful mood booster. Happy people recognize this mind-body connection and make regular physical activity a non-negotiable part of their lives. They stay disciplined instead of relying on motivation.

Read our blog on Long Term Health Goals

Here are some tips:

  • Find an activity you actually enjoy (walking, dancing, sports, etc.)

  • Start small with just 10-15 minutes per day

  • Get a workout buddy for accountability

  • Notice the mood-boosting effects and use those as motivation

6. They Cultivate an Attitude of Gratitude

“Gratitude turns what we have into enough.”

It’s easy to get caught up in what’s going wrong or missing from our lives. But happy people make a conscious effort to shift their focus to everything they have to be grateful for, no matter how small.

Read About Anxiety and Gratitude Cannot Coexist

Practices for increasing gratitude:

  • Keep a gratitude journal

  • Send thankful texts to loved ones

  • Reflect on recent positive experiences before bed

  • Don’t take everyday comforts for granted.

  • Stay away from bad habits like complaining and playing a victim.

By focusing on gratitude, we can significantly elevate our overall life satisfaction.

7. They Prioritize Getting Enough Sleep and Rejuvenation

"Sleep is the best meditation." - Dalai Lama

In our hustle-obsessed culture, neglecting the importance of quality sleep and downtime is too easy. Sleep deprivation is becoming common. But happy people understand that burnout is the enemy of well-being, and they make self-care a top priority.

Sleep tips from the experts:

  • Aim for 7-9 hours per night

  • Establish a relaxing pre-bed routine

  • Have a good morning routine

  • Limit screen time leading up to bedtime

  • Listen to your body's natural circadian rhythms

8. They Unplug From Noise Regularly

“We get such a kick out of looking forward to pleasures and rushing ahead to meet them.” - Alan Watts

We live in an age of constant stimulation and digital noise, which can take a serious toll on our mental health and ability to focus. Happy people recognize the importance of unplugging regularly to give their minds a much-needed break.

Ways to hit the reset button:

  • Set specific no-phone times (e.g., mornings, meals, after work)

  • Take short tech breaks every 90 minutes

  • Spend time in nature away from devices

  • Try a meditation, yoga, or mindfulness practice

  • Pay it forward with random acts of kindness, like spending money on a thoughtful gift for someone in need

9. They Give Back

"The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

It's been said that the secret to happiness is helping others. Happy people understand the fulfilment that comes from contributing to something greater than themselves, whether through volunteering, philanthropy, or simple acts of kindness.

Find ways to lend a hand:

  • Volunteer with a local organization

  • Donate unused items or funds to a worthy cause

  • Pay it forward with random acts of kindness

  • Mentor someone looking for guidance

10. They Embrace Life's Obstacles as Opportunities

"The greater the obstacle, the more glory in overcoming it." - Molière

Challenges and setbacks are inevitable, but happy people don't let these speed bumps derail their progress or happiness. Instead, they view obstacles as opportunities for growth and self-improvement.

Read About How to Get Your Life Back on Track

Tips for a resilient mindset:

  • Look for the lesson in every failure

  • Don't dwell on things you can't control

  • Maintain perspective – most stressors are temporary

  • Celebrate simply getting back on track after stumbling

11. They Celebrate Their Awesomeness

“You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.” - Buddha

Finally, happy people understand the importance of being their own biggest fans and sources of motivation. They don’t wait for external validation or praise; they make a conscious effort to acknowledge and celebrate their wins, no matter how small.

Ways to show yourself some love:

  • Give yourself credit for small wins

  • Treat yourself after achieving a goal

  • Write down your strengths and accomplishments

  • Stop negative self-talk in its tracks

Summing up - Daily Habits of Ridiculously Happy People:

Ultimately, the daily habits of ridiculously happy people aren’t about putting on a constant smile or pretending that life is perfect. They’re about developing a resilient, empowering mindset that allows you to roll with the punches, focus on the positives, and keep making progress toward your goals – one small, joyful step at a time. Take a step outside, breathe in the fresh air, and let nature's serenity contribute to your joyful journey.

Are you ready to join the ranks of the ridiculously happy and build unstoppable momentum in your life?

Start your journey today by taking our Core Values Quiz. This gamified questionnaire will not only be fun and engaging but will also give you a personalized roadmap for identifying and forming the habits that align with your unique values, goals, and lifestyle.

Because when you’re happier, everything becomes easier – including making the positive changes you’ve been craving. So why wait? Unlock the power of sustainable happiness and start building your best life, one happy habit at a time.

Looking to level up even further? Dive into our tailored coaching solutions. Whether you need personal guidance or an executive boost, find out how our approach can momentify your life today.

Don't stop there! Keep your daily progress fun and rewarding with our Weekly Habit Tracker App. It's your perfect companion for maintaining accountability and enjoying the journey toward lifelong happiness.

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OUR MISSION: We're here to accelerate your growth in the 5 Key Areas of Life, making your habit transformation journey so simple, fun, and rewarding that your momentum becomes inevitable. Join us, and start building a happier, more successful you today!

FAQs: Daily Habits of Ridiculously Happy People

How to be ridiculously happy?

Embrace a growth mindset and focus on continuous improvement.

Make time for things you enjoy and find pockets of gratitude daily.

Prioritize self-care, positive relationships, and giving back.

What happy people do every day?

They practice mindfulness and live in the present moment.

They nurture supportive relationships and express gratitude.

They make time for physical activity, play, and personal growth.

What are things that make people happy?

A few things that make people happy are:

  • Strong personal relationships and sense of connection.

  • A sense of meaning, purpose, and making a positive impact.

  • Achieving goals, feeling accomplished, and personal growth.

What are the 3 keys to a happy life?

Cultivating positive mindsets and emotions.

Investing in nurturing relationships.

Living with purpose and meaning.

What is the golden rule of happiness?

Focus on the things within your control, not what you can’t influence.

Appreciate the present moment instead of dwelling on the past or future.

Prioritize personal growth over pursuing material success alone.

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Will Moore is a gamification, habits and happiness expert.

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Address: 1101 Davis St, Evanston, IL 60201, United States

Phone: +1 847-495-2433