Important Things Truly Happy People Do Differently

Important Things Truly Happy People Do Differently

Believe it or not, there are some people out there who are truly happy on a daily basis. While you might think they must be completely unhinged or just blind to what’s going on in the world, that’s not the case at all. Their general sense of contentedness in life comes down to these simple things. We could all learn from them!

1. They find joy in the little things.

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A steaming cup of coffee isn’t just a caffeine boost, it’s a mini-ritual. The grocery store isn’t just errands, it’s a treasure hunt for new snacks. Happy people see the small wins in everyday life. It’s about noticing the vibrant color of a fallen leaf, humming along to a catchy tune on the radio, or taking a moment to really savor that first bite of lunch. These little sparks of joy add up, making even the most ordinary day feel like an adventure.

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2. They learn from their failures.

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They didn’t mess up; they found 50 ways NOT to do that thing. Happy people see flops as stepping stones, not dead ends. It’s learning with a side of laughter. They might reframe a burnt dinner as an excuse for takeout, or a DIY project gone wrong as a hilarious story to tell later. The focus isn’t on the stumble, but on the resilience to bounce back with a grin.

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3. They give out lots of (genuine) compliments.

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“Love your shoes!” “Your dog is THE cutest!” Happy people throw compliments like confetti. Not only does it boost someone else, but that good-vibes glow sticks around for them too. A genuine compliment is more than just words; it’s noticing the good in others and saying it out loud. Seeing someone’s face light up is as heartwarming as receiving a compliment yourself.

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4. They’re well-aware of how fortunate they are.

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From a warm bed to a friend’s laugh, they notice the good stuff. Happy people actively appreciate what they have, reminding them that even small things are pretty darn great. They might keep a gratitude jar, jotting down good moments to revisit later. Or they take a mindful walk, noticing the beauty around them. This gratitude practice trains their brain to see the positive, creating a lasting foundation for happiness.

5. They don’t cower in the face of challenges.

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Challenges aren’t roadblocks, they’re puzzles. Happy people get a kick out of finding solutions… sometimes those solutions get pretty darn creative! A flat tire isn’t a ruined road trip; it’s an adventure detour. A misplaced important document becomes an excuse for a house-wide treasure hunt. It’s a mindset shift, transforming frustration into a stimulating mental challenge.

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6. They let themselves be grumpy sometimes.

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Turns out, even the happiest people have bad days. They just don’t let a grumpy mood wreck the whole week. They feel their feelings then get back to finding the good stuff. They might take a grumpy walk to burn off the negative energy, vent to a trusted friend, or curl up with a comforting book. Acknowledging the grumpiness is key because then it becomes easier to let it go.

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7. They know that asking for help doesn’t make them weak.

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They know they’re not an island — happy people are aware we all work best together. Reaching out makes them feel connected, not incapable. When they ask for help, it’s not giving up; it’s tapping into the wealth of knowledge and support around them. It’s also a chance to make someone else feel needed and valued – a win-win situation.

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8. They love a little nonsense.

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Silly dance parties in the kitchen, karaoke nights even when they’re tone-deaf… they’re here for all of it. Happy people leave space for pure, unfiltered fun. Life’s too short to take everything seriously all the time. Letting loose, being silly, and wholeheartedly embracing the ridiculous brings them back to a joyful, childlike state of mind.

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9. They do a lot of people-watching.

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Wherever they’re at, they’re not just waiting, they’re observing. Happy people make up stories about strangers, finding the humor and wonder in the everyday bustle. They might imagine the hurried traveler rushing towards a heartwarming reunion, or the elderly couple on a park bench sharing a lifetime of love stories. Turning people-watching into imaginative storytelling makes the world feel a little more magical.

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10. They love to indulge in a bit of nostalgia.

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Happy people hang onto bits of the past that make them smile. It’s a reminder of good times and how far they’ve come. They might pull out those old photos on a rainy day for a dose of warm fuzzies, or put on that mixtape and reminisce with an old friend. These nostalgic touchstones ground them in happy memories and fuel their optimism for the future.

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11. Being called “weird” is a compliment.

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They’re not trying to fit in, they’re too busy being themselves. Happy people own their quirks, and those quirks attract a tribe of equally awesome weirdos. They dye their hair neon green not for shock value, but because it makes them feel vibrant. They collect rubber ducks or obsessively organize their sock drawer. It’s about self-expression, not following trends, and embracing the fact that everyone’s version of “normal” is wonderfully unique.

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12. They focus on progress rather than perfection.

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Did they jog for 10 mins instead of 30? Eat a salad alongside the pizza? Happy folks celebrate small victories. It’s about getting better bit by bit, not being the absolute best. Maybe last week they didn’t exercise at all, or mostly reached for junk food. This week’s changes, however small, show they’re on the right track. Progress makes them feel empowered, not frustrated by unattainable ideals.

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13. They’re excited by boredom.

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They love having no phones, no plans, and just… being. Happy people know boredom is the birthplace of creativity. The best ideas sometimes show up when you’re staring at the ceiling. That random doodle might turn into a full-blown art project. Daydreaming leads to out-of-the-box solutions. Boredom gives their mind the freedom to wander and explore without the pressure of constant productivity.

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14. They’re genuinely nice to everyonet hey meet.

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Happy people know small acts of kindness can make a really big difference in a world that often seems needlessly harsh or cruel. It makes the world brighter for everyone. They understand that kindness can be contagious; one good deed inspires another. They also recognize that you never know what someone else is going through – a simple smile might be the boost that person desperately needs.

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Originally from Australia, Emma Mills graduated from the University of Queensland with a dual degree in Philosophy and Applied Linguistics before moving to Los Angeles to become a professional matchmaker (a bit of a shift, obviously). Since 2015, she has helped more than 150 people find lasting love and remains passionate about bringing amazing singletons together.

Emma is also the author of the upcoming Hachette publication, "Off the Beaten Track: Finding Lasting Love in the Least Likely of Places," due out in January 2025.