Step Three: Study Happy People
Think about all the happy people you know or have known in your life, what are they like? What qualities and characteristics distinguish them from the rest of us? How are they different? What do they do differently? Why do you think they are so happy?
Make a list of these especially happy people and keep it in your Happiness file or folder. Note their special skills, qualities and characteristics.
Make this an ongoing process. Add notes as new ideas and insights come to you.
How much of their happiness do you think comes from external sources such as money, education or a prosperous professional career?
How much of their happiness do you think comes from internal skills, values and perspectives such as faith, confidence, optimism, stability, integrity, resourcefulness or flexibility?
Consider asking people you know about happiness, its sources and what they think is important to building a happy life.
If you are uncomfortable with this process try this:
Say, "You seem to be an especially happy person, is that true? Are you generally happy?"
If they say yes, say "Happiness is a special interest of mine. What do you think is important to happiness and a happy life?"
Record your thoughts and reactions to these discussions in your file.
Ask yourself, "What can I learn from this? What skills can I add to my life to be a happier person?"
Copyright 1999- Michele Moore. All Rights Reserved. Our materials may NOT be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without written permission from the authors. Explore HappinessHabit.com for more happiness insights!
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