Most of us want to be happy, but how? We wish there was a magic spell or an easy “solution” that would ensure happiness, but there isn’t. Part of the problem lies in the way we define happiness. Instead of defining happiness as a feeling of contentment, many of us confuse happiness with a permanently elevated mood (excitement, joy) or even an endless supply of positivity. This is an unrealistic expectation; with such a definition everyone will struggle to be “happy”. But being happy is not about having an attitude adjustment or forcing positive emotions while suppressing, ignoring or avoiding negative ones. Rather, it’s about directing our energy and choosing an approach to our existence that can offer us a sense of fulfilment. Happiness comes from being self-aware, taking responsibility, making decisions, doing something meaningful, and connecting with ourselves and others. Understanding the keys to happiness Responsibility: Many of us try to find people or things that will make us happy – we try to outsource the task. As a result, we often feel disappointed or upset when a relationship or that new job doesn’t lift our spirits. But no “thing” or person can make us happy. How to be happy: the 10 universal principles Decisions: We can’t decide to feel happy, but we can make decisions that make us happy. Happiness is a reflection of how we choose to live our life. It is not a single event but rather an outcome of all our decisions – big or small. Meaning: It would be really difficult to find happiness without any meaning – a recognition that we and our life hold value and purpose. Doing something meaningful every day can often lead to a sense of happiness. It’s important not to confuse meaning and productivity, though. It’s not about being productive every day – it’s about doing something that holds value for you . This can be as simple as having a cup of tea or a conversation, resting, helping someone or learning something new – the list is endless. It’s not about “doing more”, it’s about doing what truly resonates with who you are. Awareness: The trick to happiness is self-awareness. It’s hard to give yourself what you need or want without being aware of what that is. And, if we are not attuned to ourselves, we may even experience joy, excitement, and contentment without fully taking a moment to embrace it (or enjoy it). Practical tips for finding happiness Be helpful: Humans tend to feel happy when they feel useful or find their work meaningful. Help your grandma go grocery shopping, volunteer at a dog shelter or ask to be put on projects at work that you believe will create genuine impact. Be present We are often robbed of our happiness by focusing on the past (which we cannot change) or our future (which we cannot control). Set a goal: People find it very difficult to be happy if they feel directionless. Having something to work towards, a purpose, can be very helpful – even if the goal is to drink a couple of glasses of water and stretch each day. Practise gratitude: Life is so hectic that it can be easy to ignore all the good that happens and solely focus on the bad (or the demands of everyday life). Finding moments to be grateful can help lead to happiness. This does not mean forcing gratitude, but simply acknowledging it when it comes. The science of awesomeness: slow down, take a walk, smell the roses Don’t stop celebrating: It’s important to allow yourself to celebrate the little moments and efforts, not just the big milestones. We can experience so much happiness in the little things if we just take the moment to appreciate them. Practise acceptance: Accepting the things we cannot control or change is an important step in learning to be happy with our lives. If we constantly think things can or “should” be different, it will prevent us from being grateful for what is. Protect your time and effort: Learn what to spend your time on, how to protect your energy and how to recharge. It’s difficult to be happy if we are constantly running on empty. This is where boundary setting comes in – if we set some boundaries, we may find happiness. Sara Kuburic is an online therapist who specialises in identity, relationships and moral trauma. Like what you read? Follow SCMP Lifestyle on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram . You can also sign up for our eNewsletter here .