People who are truly happy usually have these 7 character traits

In the world I inhabit, character traits are not just mere words. They are reflections of who you truly are.

We’re living in an era of fabricated personas and superficial interactions, hence it is crucial to recognize people based on their true character traits rather than the image they project.

Let’s dive a little deeper.

What is even more noteworthy than your character traits are the impacts they have on your happiness. This implies that character traits do matter, but only when they lead you to live a life filled with genuine happiness and positivity.

In the following article, I have outlined seven character traits that are usually found in genuinely happy people.

1) They practice gratitude

Consider this for a moment – when you wake up in the morning, what’s your first thought? Is it a groan of frustration or a sigh of gratitude for another day?

For genuinely happy people, it’s typically the latter. They instinctively practice gratitude. They don’t just say thank you; they deeply feel it within their bones. It’s an internal acknowledgement that life, with all its ups and downs, is a gift to be cherished.

It’s important to understand that this sense of gratitude doesn’t come from a place of complacency. It doesn’t mean they’re satisfied with the status quo. Rather, it’s a profound appreciation for what they have right now, even while striving for more. This attitude propels them to act, to improve, and to progress – not out of dissatisfaction, but out of thankfulness.

If you can cultivate this habit of gratitude and make it a natural part of your life, your perspective on life will shift. You won’t need to chase happiness. It will be right there within you.

You’ll be able to relinquish the constant pursuit of happiness and instead, simply be happy.

2) They embrace discomfort

Think about the last time you felt uncomfortable. Was it a challenging conversation, a tough workout, or maybe a new task at work? How did you react to it?

Incredibly, genuinely happy people lean into this discomfort. They don’t just endure it; they welcome it with open arms. It might seem like an odd approach, but there’s a profound wisdom in it.

The crux of this behavior lies in understanding that discomfort is not an adversary; it’s a teacher. It offers a unique window into our soul, highlighting areas we need to work on or change. It propels growth, fosters resilience, and ultimately leads to a more fulfilling life.

3) They cultivate self-compassion

This might be a difficult one to grasp.

The concept of “self-love” often gets confused with narcissism or vanity. However, the truth is that self-love, or rather self-compassion, is what fuels the engine of our happiness and well-being.

Let’s delve into it.

Reflect on your attitude towards yourself right now. Do you berate yourself for every mistake made? Do you hold yourself to unattainably high standards? Now, consider this: would you treat a friend the same way?

For genuinely happy individuals, the answer is no. They practice self-compassion. They treat themselves with the same kindness and understanding they would extend to a friend.

4) They prioritize relationships

Reflect on your daily routine for a moment. Where does human connection fit into it? Is it pushed to the sidelines in favor of work, hobbies, or even social media scrolling?

Interestingly, genuinely happy people prioritize their relationships. They don’t just squeeze them in when there’s a free slot in their calendar; they make time for them. It might seem like a simple change, but the impact can be profound.

The essence of this behavior lies in recognizing that relationships are the lifeblood of our happiness. They offer support, challenge us, and ultimately, make our lives richer and more meaningful.

This doesn’t come from a place of dependence or neediness. It’s about understanding that we are social creatures by nature and that meaningful connections fuel our happiness.

Invest time and energy in your relationships, and you’ll discover a source of happiness that’s both enduring and fulfilling. You won’t be constantly seeking external validation; instead, you’ll find joy in the shared experiences and deep bonds you’ve cultivated.

5) They maintain a positive outlook

I remember a time when I was stuck in traffic, late for an important meeting. Annoyance and anxiety were bubbling up within me, threatening to ruin my entire day. But then, I made a conscious choice.

Instead of succumbing to negativity, I chose to see the situation as an opportunity – an opportunity for some unplanned downtime in my otherwise hectic day. I switched on the radio, enjoyed some music, and found myself arriving at the meeting not only on time but also in a great mood.

This shift in perspective is something genuinely happy people do instinctively. They maintain a positive outlook, not because they ignore life’s challenges, but because they choose to see them as opportunities for growth. Negative situations are transformed into possibilities for learning and self-improvement.

6) They practice mindfulness

Mindfulness has its roots in ancient Buddhist meditation practices. Over time, it has evolved into a secular form of meditation that has been scientifically proven to reduce stress and anxiety.

Here’s the key point:

Genuinely happy people often practice mindfulness. They live in the present moment, fully aware and engaged in their current experience. They don’t get caught up in regrets about the past or worries about the future. Instead, they find joy in the here and now.

This isn’t about shutting out negative thoughts or emotions. It’s about acknowledging them without judgment and then letting them go, creating space for positivity and peace.

Embracing mindfulness can lead to a deeper sense of contentment and happiness. It anchors us in the present, allowing us to fully enjoy life as it unfolds. It’s not about seeking happiness somewhere in the future, it’s about finding it in the now.

7) They are comfortable with their imperfections

When we think about happiness, we often imagine a state of perfection – a life without flaws, mistakes, or failures. But genuinely happy people know better.

They understand that imperfections are not obstacles to happiness; they are part of being human. They don’t strive for perfection; instead, they embrace their flaws and see them as opportunities for growth and learning.

This doesn’t mean they settle for mediocrity or stop striving to improve. It simply means they accept themselves as works in progress. They find joy in the journey of self-improvement, not just the destination.

So, if you’re seeking genuine happiness, try embracing your imperfections. You might find that they’re not roadblocks on your path to happiness, but stepping stones.

In conclusion: It’s a journey

The quest for genuine happiness is deeply intertwined with the human condition. It’s not just about what we do, but who we are at our core.

These seven character traits – practicing gratitude, embracing discomfort, cultivating self-compassion, prioritizing relationships, maintaining a positive outlook, practicing mindfulness, and being comfortable with imperfections – are all within our grasp.

They’re not just habits to be checked off a list; they’re aspects of our character to be nurtured and developed. Our pursuit of happiness isn’t a destination, but a continuous journey of self-discovery and growth.

So as you navigate your own path, remember this: happiness isn’t something you find, it’s something you become. And every step you take on this journey helps to shape you into a genuinely happier person.