Why Some of Us Are Happier Than Others?

I consider myself a very happy person. I enjoy every second of my life, and at just 24, I have found joy within myself. However, I often wonder why others aren't as happy as I am.

After observing my own life and those around me, here are some of the things I do differently:

Table of Contents

1. I Learned How to Code
2. I Listened to Good Music
3. I Avoid Negativity
4. I Look At Sleep As A Reward For My Hard Work
5. I Give Myself At Least One Alone Time Every Week
6. I Love What I Do
7. I Exercise Regularly
8. I Have a Personal Project
Hapiness is a Choice
Further Reading for Inspiration

1. I Learned How to Code

You may wonder how this contributes to my happiness. Here's why: learning to program taught me how to understand the logic of things. It helped me put things in perspective and realize what to expect and what not to expect. It taught me how to be patient, assuring me that eventually, I would find a workaround for every obstacle.

"Coding teaches you how to think." It's true that coding is a valuable skill to have in today's digital world. Whether you pursue a career as a programmer or not, grasping the fundamentals of coding can enhance problem-solving abilities and logical thinking. So even if you don't become a professional coder, learning the basics can still benefit you in various aspects of life.

"Everybody in this country should learn how to program a computer because it teaches you how to think." - Steve Jobs

2. I Listened to Good Music

Music brings me joy. Neurological studies have found that good music affects our brain the same way love does, by causing the brain to release dopamine, a chemical crucial to the sensation of happiness.

I've incorporated music into every part of my life. I listen to music while commuting, working, and even while at home, about to sleep. I also continuously search for great music on Spotify (http://open.spotify.com/user/peachananr/playlist/5hAo3s1toO8HqBG17rTjvj) to keep my playlist fresh and make every commute a unique musical experience.

3. I Avoid Negativity

Listening to negative people complaining and criticizing can dampen your spirit and overall make you unhappy. According to Trevor Blake, author of Three Simple Steps, if you listen to negativity for too long, you're likely to adopt that mindset.

I make a point of distancing myself from pessimistic individuals. Responding defensively to this negativity will do you more harm than good.

4. I Look At Sleep As A Reward For My Hard Work

Nothing beats a good night's sleep. A study from the University of Pennsylvania showed that people's anger, stress, and sadness increase if they get less than 4.5 hours of sleep each day for a week.

I view sleep as a reward. Whenever I get a chance to sleep early, I take it and relish the fact that I can finally close my eyes and rest. I don't regard sleep as a task I must do, but as a reward I've earned.

5. I Give Myself At Least One Alone Time Every Week

This is my sacred time, free of friends, family, or any interruptions. Being alone has helped me understand myself better. It allows me to experiment with whatever I've always wanted to do. During this time, I discovered a passion for design, built my first startup, and my life has improved ever since.

6. I Love What I Do

This is a no-brainer. If you don't love what you do, then you can never truly be happy. If you're stuck doing something you despise all day long, how will you find the emotional energy to pursue what you love? It's worth leaving your current job to seek what you love and make a living from it for the rest of your life.

"Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life." - Confucius

7. I Exercise Regularly

I always make time to exercise each week. It helps me keep my body in shape and boosts my self-confidence. I feel more secure, at peace with myself, and confident in my abilities.

8. I Have a Personal Project

Working on my personal projects is vital for me, as they drive my day-to-day activities. Every day when I wake up, the first thing I want to do is work on my personal project. This sense of dedication is why I love every second of my life. My personal projects are shaping me into a better version of myself; they keep me going.

Hapiness is a Choice

These practices might not work for everyone, but I believe they're worth trying. Happiness is a choice, not a result. Life can be tough at times, but ultimately, you're the one who decides your happiness, not life.