Lachlan Brown
Happiness is something most of us crave but rarely sit down to figure out. As the Dalai Lama shows us, happiness isn’t about big houses, fancy cars, or topping the Forbes list.
Real joy is an inside job—it’s about how you choose to see the world, treat others, and nurture yourself.
Below are seven simple ways to be happier, inspired by the teachings of the Dalai Lama.
Let’s jump in.
1. Practice Compassion Every Day
“If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.” – Dalai Lama
If you’ve ever helped a friend out of a bad situation or supported a stranger in need, you know the warm, fuzzy feeling you get afterward. Compassion isn’t just about being the world’s nicest person—it’s also a ticket to your own happiness. Why? Because focusing on others creates a sense of shared humanity and lessens the weight of our own problems.
Start small: next time someone seems down, just ask, “Are you okay? Need a hand?” Those tiny moments can have massive ripple effects.
2. Choose Optimism Over Despair
“Choose to be optimistic, it feels better.” – Dalai Lama
There’s no escaping life’s curveballs—seriously, have you tried? But you can decide how you respond. According to the Dalai Lama, optimism is a choice, not just a personality trait. And if something feels better, it’s probably pointing you toward greater happiness.
You don’t need to force a fake smile 24/7. Instead, notice how you’re interpreting life events and intentionally shift the script. You’d be surprised how quickly a little optimism can brighten the bigger picture.
3. Focus on What You Can Control
“If a problem is fixable, if a situation is such that you can do something about it, then there is no need to worry.” – Dalai Lama
We worry about everything—money, love, career, the possibility of alien invasions (okay, maybe that’s just me). But the truth is, a lot of our mental energy is wasted on issues we can’t actually solve.
Take a page from the Dalai Lama’s book: if you can fix something, go do it. If you can’t, then why keep dwelling on it? Do what you can and let the rest go. That alone can free up a ton of mental space for the good stuff in life.
4. Let Kindness Be Your Religion
“This is my simple religion. There is no need for temples; no need for complicated philosophy. Our own brain, our own heart is our temple; the philosophy is kindness.” – Dalai Lama
No matter your beliefs, kindness goes beyond religion or culture. It’s a universal language. One small act of kindness—like helping a neighbor carry groceries or genuinely smiling at a stranger—can create an immediate positive connection.
When I started Hack Spirit, my goal was to help people apply wisdom in practical ways. Kindness is the ultimate practical wisdom. Keep it simple: if you’re unsure how to interact with someone, default to kindness.
5. Be Mindful and Present
“We can never obtain peace in the external world until we make peace with ourselves.” – Dalai Lama
Much of our stress comes from regrets about the past or worries about the future. Guess what? Both are out of your hands—one’s already happened and the other hasn’t. Being present isn’t just a cool yoga concept, it’s about freeing yourself from baggage you can’t control.
Try it right now: take a deep breath, notice what you’re feeling and thinking. That’s it. Even a few seconds of mindfulness can anchor you in the here and now, where real life is actually happening.
6. Cultivate Gratitude
“The roots of all goodness lie in the soil of appreciation for goodness.” – Dalai Lama
Gratitude isn’t just for Thanksgiving. Research backs up what the Dalai Lama has long taught: being thankful can shift your entire outlook. By zeroing in on what’s good—like your morning coffee, a supportive friend, or even the sunshine on your walk—you start noticing more good stuff.
Keep a simple gratitude list each day. It could be as basic as “I’m grateful for a hot shower” or “I appreciate my friend’s terrible yet hilarious jokes.” Over time, those small moments add up to an abundance mindset.
7. Embrace Compassion for Yourself
“Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive.” – Dalai Lama
Compassion is crucial for others, but let’s not forget the hardest person to be compassionate toward: ourselves. We can be our own worst critics, beating ourselves up for every little mistake. But if you don’t treat yourself kindly, you’ll burn out fast.
So the next time you mess up (which, spoiler alert, you will because you’re human), try not to label yourself a failure. Instead, talk to yourself as you would to a good friend. Self-compassion can clear the path for genuine happiness.
Final Thoughts
Happiness isn’t about chasing that perfect Instagram lifestyle or always having your act together. If the Dalai Lama teaches us anything, it’s that true joy comes from a warm heart, a clear mind, and an open spirit. Practice compassion (for yourself and others), stay present, and sprinkle kindness wherever you go.
And remember: the point of all this isn’t to become some enlightened unicorn who never feels pain or anger—it’s to develop habits and perspectives that let you find peace more often than not. Even if you slip up every now and then, you’re on the right track.
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