8 Tips to Be Happier in Life (Even When You Don't Have Everything You Want)

The better you feel about yourself and your life, the happier you’ll be, right? Wrong! There are numerous things that can keep you from being happy no matter how great life seems on the surface. But by following these eight tips to be happier in life, even when you don’t have everything you want, you can start enjoying your present circumstances and plan for an even better future.

1) Consider the Circumstances

Are you happy now? Probably not. But that doesn’t mean you can’t learn how to be happier. In fact, many scientists and psychologists agree that there are several simple ways we can boost our happiness levels—and keep them high for longer periods of time. For example, researchers say it helps to consider your circumstances instead of living in a constant state of self-pity or jealousy about what others have.

2) Keep What You Like

Your faith is being tested. It's hard when you don’t have everything you want: a job, a girlfriend, money. In those moments, it’s easy to question your faith and wonder why God doesn’t seem like he’s listening. But what if you focused on keeping what you do have instead of dwelling on what you don’t? How would that change your perspective?

3) See Yourself Through Others' Eyes

Seeing yourself through others’ eyes is an excellent way to foster gratitude. Instead of focusing on what you don’t have, take a moment every day to consider all that you do have. Practice gratitude on a daily basis, and you’ll be happier with both your life and yourself.

4) Aim for Progress, Not Perfection

One of my favorite quotes is from Henry Ford: Whether you think you can or whether you think you can’t, you’re right. Too often we focus on what we haven’t accomplished and compare ourselves with others. Rather than becoming frustrated with our current situation, we should focus on working towards a better future for ourselves and our loved ones.

5) Practice Gratitude

Practicing gratitude can make you happier by boosting your mood, lowering your blood pressure, and strengthening your immune system. Research shows that when people write down three things they’re grateful for every day for 21 days, they experience a significant increase in happiness. Make a habit of writing down what you’re grateful for at least once a week—you might be surprised by how much happiness it brings you!

6) Spend Time With Happy People

How do you stay happy in life? It’s not easy when you don’t have everything you want, whether it’s relationships, money, or living conditions. But there are steps you can take to be happier with the cards you’ve been dealt and happier with your life in general. Number one: Spend time with happy people! Nothing beats being around positive, upbeat individuals—you learn from them; they inspire and lift your spirits.

7) Smile; Laugh; Let Go

It’s easy to dwell on what you want but don’t have. I know it is; it’s happened to me. But just because you don’t have a relationship or new job or a perfect living situation, doesn’t mean your life isn’t happy. Remember that there are plenty of things you do have—you can be grateful for those things and focus on them instead of worrying about what you don’t have. Also remember that happiness is not based on how much money you make or how many people like you—it’s based on how much joy and peace of mind come from within. So smile, laugh, and let go!

8) Know That Happiness Is Relative

There is no formula for happiness, says Sonja Lyubomirsky, Ph.D., a professor of psychology at University of California, Riverside and author of The How of Happiness. What makes one person happy may not do much for another. While most people agree that positive emotions contribute to happiness—good health and a strong sense of community are likely to make anyone feel good—there’s no right number or mix.