Control What You Can and Let the Rest Go: Great Advice From the Happiest People in the World

If you think you could be happier than you are right now, you’re probably correct. Learn to let go of the things you cannot control and accept a bit of good advice, and you might wind up happier than you’ve ever been before. Here are a few tips and tricks employed by some of the happiest people in the world.

Let it go

Happy people tend to ‘let it go’ a lot more than people who tenaciously hang onto control. The ability to be less attached to managing aspects of life that are actually beyond one’s control bodes well for happiness levels. Be ambitious, but don’t let the idea of success rule your mind. Aim for achievable goals. Feel pride for the things you have accomplished, and go for an attitude of gratitude whenever and wherever you can, advises Inc. magazine.

When you achieve a small goal, treat yourself to something nice. Even a gold star sticker on a calendar date can be a fun reward that keeps you motivated and shows you how far you’ve actually come.

Enjoy the little things in life

Take a walk during your lunch break. If you’re the boss, delegate duties to trusted employees and get away from the office for a while. An urban hike can be almost as refreshing as a leisurely stroll through the park, and you might even meet a new friend.

Play with a dog. Enjoy more sunsets. Control the things you can. Do your best and be satisfied with that. Don’t let your proverbial weeds get too high. Take care of small problems before they become insurmountable troubles. Get enough sleep, and wake up gently. The Alarm Clock for Me app from Apalon provides soothing music, rock ‘n’ roll, or radio news reports as happy morning alternatives to a shrill alarm bell.

Change your life by changing your mind

Your life may seem beyond your control, but you can make remarkable reaches toward your life goals if you take the time to learn what you want and how to achieve it. Lessen self-destructive thoughts and replace them with positive affirmations. Believing you can do something is the first step toward making it come true. Write your goals down and while you’re at it, write a daily private journal, too. Visualize yourself being what you want to be and don’t ever give up on yourself, recommends Jillian Michaels.

Be more mindful when you eat a meal. Instead of gulping down a quick cup of coffee before rushing out the door, wake up a bit earlier and enjoy a healthful breakfast. Use the time to plan your day and be sure to write things down. Checking off accomplished tasks can help you manage, not control, your life.

You can be a happier person if you want to be. Start your day with a positive thought and repeat it to yourself throughout the day.