In a world that often pushes us to chase more—more success, more money, more recognition—many still find happiness elusive.
Why is it that some people seem genuinely content while others struggle despite their accomplishments?
The answer often lies not in what they have, but in what they do. There are specific, daily practices that content individuals cultivate, which help them maintain a sense of balance and joy.
In this article, we’ll explore eight habits that can lead to lasting happiness. If you’re ready to bring more joy into your life, read on.
1) Gratitude journaling
One of the most common practices amongst truly content people is gratitude journaling.
Yes, it’s simple, but it’s incredibly effective. Each day, they take a few moments to jot down what they’re thankful for. It doesn’t have to be big things. Sometimes, the smallest moments of joy are the most meaningful.
This practice helps them focus on the positives in their life instead of dwelling on the negatives. Over time, this reinforces a more optimistic and content mindset.
The beauty of gratitude journaling is that it doesn’t require a significant time commitment. Just a few minutes each day can make a world of difference.
As famed psychologist Martin Seligman once said, “When we take time to notice the things that go right – it means we’re getting a lot of little rewards throughout the day.”
2) Mindful moments
Another practice I’ve noticed among happy people is taking mindful moments throughout the day.
This isn’t about setting aside large chunks of time for formal meditation (although that can certainly be beneficial). Instead, it’s about taking small breaks to be fully present in the moment.
I personally try to do this a couple of times a day. It might be when I’m sipping my morning coffee, taking a walk, or even just during a few quiet moments before bed.
I take that time to tune into my senses and really experience the moment, without getting caught up in thoughts about the past or future.
It’s amazing how this simple practice can provide a sense of calm and contentment in even the busiest of days.
American psychologist Ellen Langer said it best when she noted, “Mindfulness is the process of actively noticing new things, which puts you in the present and makes you more sensitive to context and perspective. It is the essence of engagement.”
3) Embracing impermanence
Content people understand and embrace the concept of impermanence. They know that everything in life is temporary, and they use this knowledge to fully appreciate the good times and gracefully navigate the challenging ones.
It’s something I explore in depth in my book, “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego“. In it, I delve into the Buddhist concept of impermanence and how it can be used as a tool for personal growth and happiness.
Adopting this mindset allows us to let go of attachments to outcomes and instead focus on the process. It fosters resilience, reduces stress, and ultimately leads to a more content and fulfilling life.
4) Regular exercise
It’s no secret that physical activity plays a significant role in our overall well-being. But truly content people make it a habit to incorporate regular exercise into their daily routine.
Exercise is not just about maintaining physical health, it’s also crucial for mental health. Physical activity stimulates the production of endorphins, chemicals in the brain that act as natural mood lifters. It also helps reduce stress and anxiety, contributes to better sleep, and boosts self-esteem.
The best part? It doesn’t have to be a strenuous workout at the gym. Even a brisk walk, a bike ride, or some yoga can do wonders for your mood.
Psychologist James Blumenthal found in his research that even small amounts of exercise can have a significant impact on happiness levels. He said, “Simply getting out and moving around seems to elevate our mood.”
5) Accepting discomfort
This one might seem counter-intuitive, but it’s a critical habit of truly content people: they accept discomfort.
Rather than avoiding uncomfortable feelings or situations, they face them head on. They understand that life isn’t always easy, and it’s not supposed to be. They see discomfort as a natural part of the human experience and an opportunity for growth.
By accepting discomfort, they’re better able to manage it. They don’t add unnecessary stress by resisting or fighting against it. Instead, they allow themselves to feel it, understand it, and then let it pass.
6) Quality over quantity
Truly content people understand the value of quality over quantity, especially when it comes to relationships.
They prefer having a few close, meaningful relationships over numerous superficial ones. They invest time and effort into nurturing these relationships as they know they contribute significantly to their overall happiness and satisfaction in life.
They also apply this principle to their possessions, preferring fewer high-quality items over a large number of less valuable ones, thereby reducing clutter and promoting a sense of calm and order.
7) Digital detox
In this era of constant connectivity, it’s easy to forget its harmful impact on our mental health if we don’t know how to disconnect.
But the wise make it a habit to regularly take a break from their devices. They know that it’s a healthy habit that can boost their happiness and contentment.
Whether it’s setting aside an hour each day without screens, or taking a full day off each week, taking time away from devices allows for a mental reset. It provides space for reflection, creativity, and meaningful interactions with others.
From experience, it can be challenging at first, but the benefits are well worth it. The increased focus, reduced stress levels, and overall sense of peace can greatly contribute to a feeling of contentment.
8) Self-compassion
The last habit, but certainly not the least, is practicing self-compassion. Content people understand the importance of being kind to themselves.
Life has its ups and downs, and we all make mistakes or face failures. Instead of being hard on themselves during such times, content people treat themselves with the same kindness and understanding they would extend to a friend in a similar situation.
Practicing self-compassion includes acknowledging your feelings without judgment, understanding that everyone makes mistakes, and being mindful of your self-talk.
The journey to contentment
Ultimately, the journey to true contentment is deeply personal and unique to each individual.
These 8 habits are practices that have been observed in truly content people, but they’re not the only path to happiness. The key is to find what works for you, what resonates with your values, and what brings you joy.
In exploring these habits, you might find some that feel right and others that don’t. That’s okay. The path to contentment is not a one-size-fits-all journey. It’s about personal growth and understanding yourself better.
If you’re interested in diving deeper into the philosophies behind these habits, I encourage you to check out my book, “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego“. In it, I discuss how these practices are deeply rooted in Buddhist teachings and how they can be applied to modern life for greater happiness and contentment.
Remember, the goal is not perfection but progress. It’s about making small changes, one day at a time, that will lead to a happier and more content life.