There are two problems with this approach: I can already hear objections. “But I really want to lose those 10 pounds! Should I not want that?” Yes, you should. Desires urge you to expand and grow. “But then how am I supposed to be happy since I don’t yet have what I want?”
Well, here is the truth behind goals:
We may think that our goals are to graduate, get married, get a promotion, make more money, live anywhere we want, or lose weight, but ultimately all those goals are nothing more than means to an end. We want them because we think they will make us happy; happiness is what we are really after. It’s just that some people look for happiness by losing weight, while others look for it by getting married or having kids, but in the end, everything we do is done because we think it will make us feel better. The problem is that in our quest to happiness, we often forget to be happy now. As we strive to achieve our goals, we postpone happiness… for later. We somehow think that even though all we want is to be happy, it’s ok not to be happy now, yet, happiness is a feeling. Why not feel good now as we go after our goals and also feel good later, when we achieve our goal? Why not do both? Today I have a simple trick for you to get happier. You can apply it right away, and you don’t need to wait until you graduate or find the love of your life to feel that happiness boost. What is it?
It’s kindness.
Sonja Lyubomirsky, a professor of psychology at the University of California, Riverside, has studied happiness for more than 20 years. She has found that being kind is a habit that consistently makes people happier. Her research found that performing acts of kindness once a week leads to the most happiness. So, why not take advantage of today to get that happiness boost? Choose 5 happiness acts from below and start giving generously!
21 ways to practice kindness today and instantly feel happier!
Being kind does feel good, and as Princes Diana said: Which 5 kindness acts do you choose to practice today? Let me know in the comments below.
