We all know that
money can’t buy happiness … but many times we act as if we’d be happier
with a bit more money. We are conditioned to want to be rich (when we
know the rich aren’t happy either); we are trained to want the latest
gadget or style that television tells us to want; we want to earn more
money because then we’ll have the good life.

But none of that will bring us happiness. No matter
how much we earn, no matter how much we have in the bank, no matter how
nice our clothing or cars or toys, none of it will make us happier. And
the sad thing is that it could take us decades of pursuing wealth and
luxury items before we realize this.

So what will bring us happiness? Luckily, it’s three things that
don’t cost a thing. These three things have been proven by research —
surveys of hundreds of thousands of people about what they have, what
their lives are like, and how happy they are.

Here they are, the Three Secrets to Happiness:

1. Good relationships. We have a human need to be
   close, to be intimate, with other human beings. Having good, supportive
   friendships, a strong marriage or close and loving relationships with
   our family members will make us much more likely to be happy. Action steps:
   Take time, today, to spend time with your loved ones, to tell them what
   they mean to you, to listen to them, and develop your relationship with
   them.
2. Positive thinking. I’m obviously a big proponent
   of positive thinking as the best way to achieve your goals, but it
   turns out that it can lead to happiness too. Optimism and self-esteem
   are some of the best indicators of people who lead happy lives. Happy
   people feel empowered, in control of their lives, and have a positive
   outlook on life. Action steps: Make positive thinking
   a habit. In fact, this should be one of the first habits you develop.
   Get into the habit of squashing all negative thoughts and replacing
   them with positive ones. Instead of “I can’t” think “I can”. It may
   sound corny, but it has worked for me, every time.
3. Flow. This is a popular concept on the Internet
   these days — the state we enter when we are completely focused on the
   work or task before us. We are so immersed in our task that we lose
   track of time. Having work and leisure that gets you in this state of
   flow will almost undoubtedly lead to happiness. People find greatest
   enjoyment not when they’re passively mindless, but when they’re
   absorbed in a mindful challenge. Action steps: Find
   work that you’re passionate about. Seriously — this is an extremely
   important step. Find hobbies that you’re passionate about. Turn off the
   TV — this is the opposite of flow — and get outside and do something
   that truly engages you.

You’ve been given the Three Secrets to Happiness. Don’t waste them!