Most times, we feel that when we set goals for ourselves, get our dream jobs, start earning more money, buy our dream house, be in a perfect relationship, get married,….. etc we automatically become happy. But we soon realize that achieving these goals doesn’t give us the happiness that we are craving for.

True lasting happiness is an inner state only you can give to yourself. You have to work towards your happiness the same way you work towards everything else in life. Happy people are not held hostage by their circumstances and do not seek for happiness in people or possessions.

The answer is Yes

Is Happiness a Choice? Quite frankly, the answer is YES! Knowing that happiness is a choice is not enough. By choosing to embrace happiness, you are taking responsibility for your satisfaction.

How then can you choose to be happy when someone has hurt you badly? When circumstances beyond your control are giving you so much pain? Are you doing the things you need to do to achieve happiness or are you letting your emotions take control of you?

If you are struggling to find the root of happiness, incorporate these strategies into your daily life in other to feel happier.

Determine what happiness means to you:

Just as Theodore Roosevelt said, “comparison is the thief of joy”. Comparing yourself with others will only result in unhappiness. Happiness can only come into your life when you love who you are and you are choosing to be the best you can be. Until you have attained that state of belief in you, living a happy life will be completely out of your reach.

Choose meaningful relationships / interactions:

According to Dan Buettner “the people you surround yourself with influence your behaviors, so choose friends who have healthy habits”. Surround yourself and interacts with the people who reflect the person you want to be.

Search for benefits in your pain:

At some point in our lives, we all go through pains and trials. No one can escape from it. Learn to remind yourself always that the trials will pass away. Rather, search deeply to find meaning and benefits within those pains and trials.

Understand how happiness works for you:

We all have different personalities in life. Some of us find it easier to be happy while others do not. Once this works out, then it becomes easier for you to identify what makes you happy.

Besides, happiness is not just a choice but also a daily practice that requires time, consistency, effort, and dedication. Since happiness is a choice, start finding things in your life that you are grateful for. According to Ralph Marson “happiness is a choice, not a result. Nothing will make you happy until you choose to be happy”