Happiness is an extremely ambiguous term; it can’t be quantified exactly, nor can it be determined universally. Everyone must find the key to their own happiness. But one thing is for sure, the key to happiness does not lie in external gratification or material pleasures. This is a fact we have been aware of from time immemorial. For instance, Marcus Aurelius – a Roman emperor and Stoic philosopher – believed that, ‘Very little is needed to make a happy life; it is all within yourself, in your way of thinking.’ Similarly, eastern philosophy too stresses that true happiness is found only when we transcend material things and momentary emotions, to discover the lasting joy that is within each of us. That being the case, here are a few tips to help you on your quest to find the key to your happiness, and unlock your true potential.

Surround yourself with the people you love:

The first thing you need to know about happiness is that, even though it means something for everyone else, the journey is made much easier when you have nurturing relationships around you. Your family, friends and other loved ones can offer you the essential support you need to achieve your true potential and find that inner joy. 

Perfection is a pointless pursuit:

If perfection is what you seek, then you are better off deciding never to be happy. Looking for perfection is something that is a never ending task! There will always be a better option and you may never be able to make a final decision. Even if you do, you will be disappointed soon because change is inevitable. Look at your life and take stock of what you think is working, and what needs to be re-organised. Don’t push something away just because it isn’t perfect. We don’t live in a perfect world, and the faster we get used to that the better. Life is just like investing in many ways; think of the long run before making important decisions, and you will always be content with the outcomes even when the present conditions don’t seem perfect.

Visualise your dreams:

You should visualise the goals you want to achieve and a plan that can see yourself getting it to the best of your capacities. Many people avoid this exercise because they don’t want to be disappointed if they can’t picture things working out; but now you know that the world is not perfect, and you will face roadblocks. Don’t get frustrated and give up if things don’t work in your favour this time, it’s not the end of the world! 

Take ownership of your choices:

Always remember to get suggestions from friends, family or other people, but don’t let their opinions overwhelm you. While help may be made provided with the best of intentions, only you know what will make you happy. In the end, it’s your decisions and nobody else’s, that can lead you to happiness. So, make decisions that feel right to you, and ones that resonate with you the most; this lets you own the choices you make, and understand the things you find joy in. 

Don’t be afraid of change:

Change is inevitable; even though it might not feel good all the time, change is the one thing you can expect. Don’t let the prospect of change affect the way you feel now but instead, make contingency plans and prepare yourself for the transitions you will surely experience – like the loss of a loved one, your move to retired life, or even the fact that one day you too will perish and so on. These changes shouldn’t frustrate you, nor should you fear them. They should unlock a desire to help you find what truly motivates you, the things that really make you happy. 

Finally, remember that your happiness is your responsibility. While it’s extremely easy to blame others when things aren’t going your way, the truth is that finding joy is completely in your control only. If you aren’t happy, it’s entirely on your shoulders to make the necessary changes. When you realise this fact, you will see that you already have the requisite capabilities to find your inner happiness.