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Simple Steps to Happiness: Seriously.


Simple Steps to Happiness


Later this month (March 20th), the World Happiness Report will be released. Gallup, Oxford University, and the United Nations are putting it together. As we await this report, it is an excellent time to think about what makes us happy.


I'm Just Not Happy


Sometimes, we might think, "I'm just not feeling happy." But what can we do to change that? Let's break it down into simple, everyday language and actions.


  • Think About How You’re Feeling: Sometimes, just knowing why you feel a certain way can help. It’s okay to take time to figure it out.

  • Be Nice to Yourself: Don’t be too hard on yourself. Everyone has off days, and it’s okay not to be okay sometimes.

  • Talk About Your Feelings: Finding the right words to say how you feel can make a big difference. It’s like letting out steam from a pressure cooker.

  • Spend Time With Good People: Hang out with folks who make you laugh and feel good. It’s about quality, not how many friends you have.

  • Find Ways to Deal With Tough Times: When things get tough, have a few tricks to help you get through—like taking a deep breath, jogging, or doing something you love.

  • Ask for Help If You Need It: If things are tough, talking to someone who knows how to help, like a counsellor, can make a big difference.

Getting to Know What Makes You Tick


If you want to dive deeper into what makes you tick, I use a tool from  Multi-Health Systems Emotional Quotient Inventory 2.0 (MHS EQ-i 2.0). It shines a light on the importance of emotional intelligence in achieving a fulfilled life.


At the core of personal well-being is emotional intelligence (EI)—the ability to understand and manage our emotions and navigate our relationships effectively. In an era where the pursuit of happiness can seem as elusive as ever, this sophisticated tool assesses various aspects of EI, offering insights into how we can enhance our happiness through self-awareness, emotional regulation, and empathy.


  1. Cultivating a Positive Self-View: The journey to happiness often begins with how we perceive ourselves. Recognizing our strengths and accepting our flaws gracefully can significantly impact our emotional well-being. A positive self-view fosters resilience, confidence, and, ultimately, a more profound sense of satisfaction with life.

  2. Embracing Authentic Expression: The ability to genuinely express our emotions and thoughts is crucial for building meaningful connections and navigating life's ups and downs. Authenticity in our self-expression strengthens our relationships and aligns our external world with our internal emotional landscape, leading to greater harmony and happiness.

  3. Building Meaningful Social Bonds: Human beings are inherently social creatures, and our happiness is deeply intertwined with the quality of our relationships. Investing time and energy into nurturing supportive and enriching relationships can be one of the most rewarding paths to happiness. These bonds provide comfort, joy, and a sense of belonging, all essential to a happy life.

  4. Making Mindful Decisions: Life is a series of choices, and how we approach these decisions can significantly affect our happiness. Mindful decision-making, informed by a clear understanding of our emotions and values, can lead to more fulfilling outcomes and reduce the anxiety and regret often accompanying hasty or misaligned choices.

  5. Developing Resilience and Optimism: Managing stress and maintaining a positive outlook, even in adversity, is a cornerstone of emotional intelligence. Cultivating resilience and optimism helps us navigate challenges more effectively and opens us up to experiencing joy and gratitude in our everyday lives.


On World Happiness Day, we will get the World Happiness Report 2024. While that will be an exciting read, the opportunity to reflect on how we are feeling is more interesting. And, in that reflection, if you find you are coming up short, consider the reflections offered in this article.




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