5 Ways How To Define Happiness

*Photo by Zac Durant on Unsplash

When defining happiness, there is more to it than the dictionary definition.

Each person defines happiness based on their own set of morals, values, and beliefs. One person will define happiness one way and another person completely differently. What makes one person happy may not make another person feel the same way.

However, there are some consistent truths across the board. It does not matter your socioeconomic status. It does not matter your education, creed, gender, color or other label. We can find these ideas wherever you look.

You could say these ideas I am referring to are the foundation for defining happiness. From there, you can define your own happiness by expanding from this definition.

I am not an expert, but I have lived life for enough years to find some consistency when it comes to a person’s overall happiness.

Let us take a look at some of these commonalities.

1. Helping Others

Have you ever had a chance to volunteer your time to an organization? Perhaps help a friend out with a move?

There are literally countless ways to help others.

The feeling you get from helping others is unlike any I have experienced. It is extremely hard to describe in words.

I can tell you I get highly elated and feel good for helping a fellow human being in need.

I feel happy.

2. Setting and Acquiring Goals

Some people think you set a goal, achieve it, and you are there. That is a partial truth.

You want to set a goal that is realistic, measurable, and that you can hold yourself accountable for. Write down your goal.

When making a goal, you do not want to set the timetable too far ahead. Make it realistic. It is better to make several short-term goals to get you to a long-term one. Setting one long-term goal without shorter ones can deter you from finishing.

I am sure you can vouch for the feeling you get from accomplishing something.

Take, for example, a daily to-do list. Many people like to write down what they would like to complete during the day. I love the feeling I get after crossing something off my to-do list. This is definitely an example of setting and acquiring a goal.

Once you get to your goal, make another. I do better with short-term goals, but everybody is different.

I feel such a positive feeling when I accomplish a goal. You could say it is something that makes me happy.

3. Living Life Based on Your Own Set of Morals, Values, and Beliefs

Everybody is completely different with their own morals, values, and beliefs. Of course, most people tend to gravitate towards others that share the same views. Obviously, there is an exception to every rule. After all, I am sure you have heard the saying “opposites attract,” right?

I was a people pleaser when I was younger. I tried to make everyone happy based on their morals and values. It never occurred to me to follow my own.

As I got wiser in my years, I found a sense of relief and personal fulfillment in living based on my own moral code.

Knowing who I am has contributed to this feeling of happiness.  

Each day, I am proud to stand up for myself as a person.

4. Maintaining a Healthy Mind and Body

I do not know if people quite understand the extent of having a healthy mind and body.

Sure, you have heard your doctor say it is important to exercise and eat right.

It is extremely exciting to look back at your day and know you did everything in your power to make healthy choices.

When I exercise, I feel amazing from the inside out. All those good endorphins flow through my veins, giving me a sense of elation and accomplishment.  

A feeling of happiness encompasses my entire being.

5. Standing Up for What Is Right

When you know who you are as a person, you can stand up for what is right and true.

Again, everybody is different.

We have different views and beliefs based on our own moral code. We create this moral code based on our environment, family, friends, and our life experience.

Living a life based on your own truth is fulfilling. It feels amazing standing up for what is right and true based on yourself as a person.

Just look at individuals in a heated debate. One is fighting for their view and the other person is battling for their own.

Last Thoughts

Everyone is unique.

These ideas I have mentioned are an expression based on my experience. Yours may be similar or different.

Just remember that happiness is not an actual tangible thing. It is a feeling based on your life journey.

Some people believe they need this or that to be happy. I am sure you have felt this way before. At least at some point in your life.

When I was a kid, I first heard the phrase “money doesn’t buy happiness.”

Happiness is not a tangible asset you can purchase with money.

Many rich people are not happy. Others who are poor can be happy. We need money to survive, but it is not a basis for overall happiness.

Use this list to help you take inventory of your own happiness. From there, see if there is something you would add or subtract.

Are you happy?