Hey there!
I’m Lachlan Brown, the founder of Hack Spirit, and I’m really excited to share with you something that has made a significant impact on my life.
You see, for the longest time, I felt unfulfilled. Unhappy, even.
And it wasn’t because I didn’t have a great job or a loving family.
On paper, everything was perfect. But on the inside? I was constantly battling a feeling of emptiness.
I was tired all the time, grumpy most days, and I just couldn’t seem to find any real joy in anything.
Sound familiar?
Well, over the last 15 years, I’ve been immersing myself in the world of human psychology.
I’ve read countless books, attended seminars, and studied intensively to understand why some people are always happy while others struggle to find even a smidge of happiness.
In my quest to hack my mindset for the better, I discovered something incredible: happiness isn’t about the big things. It’s about your daily habits.
Small actions and decisions that you make every day that can either bring you joy or drag you down into the depths of despair.
So today, I’m sharing with you 8 new habits that have transformed my life. These habits have enabled me to fill that gaping hole of emptiness with contentment and fulfillment.
And the best part? You can adopt them too!
Let’s dive in.
Habit 1: Practice Gratitude
Let’s start with something simple. Gratitude.
Yes, you’ve probably heard this a million times before. But have you actually tried it? I mean really tried it.
Not just saying “thank you” when someone holds the door open for you. I’m talking about intentionally finding things in your life to be grateful for, every single day.
And here’s why: Gratitude shifts your focus.
Instead of constantly looking at what’s wrong in your life, you start to notice what’s right. You start to appreciate the small things.
The hot cup of coffee in the morning. The smile from a stranger. The comfort of your bed after a long day.
And guess what? This shift in focus does wonders for your happiness levels. It’s like a happiness hack that’s been right under our noses this whole time!
Sounds good, doesn’t it?
Now, here’s a practical tip: Start a gratitude journal. Every night before you go to bed, write down three things you’re grateful for.
They don’t have to be big things. In fact, the smaller, the better. We’re shifting our focus here. And every morning when you wake up, read your entries. Start your day with positivity and watch how it transforms your mood and overall outlook on life.
Habit 2: Exercise Regularly
Now, I know what you’re thinking…
“Exercise? Really, Lachlan?”
But hear me out.
Regular exercise isn’t just about maintaining a fit body. It’s about maintaining a fit mind too.
You see, when we exercise, our bodies release chemicals called endorphins. These are our bodies’ natural mood lifters.
They help to reduce stress, boost self-esteem and ward off anxiety and feelings of depression. And let’s not forget about the sense of accomplishment that comes with completing a workout.
I mean, who doesn’t feel great after conquering a tough fitness session?
A couple of years ago, I was probably the least athletic person you could meet.
The idea of exercise was as appealing to me as a root canal (no offense to any dentists reading this!). But once I forced myself to start – with just 10 minutes of brisk walking a day – I started to notice a change in my mood. I felt more energized. More positive. More… alive.
And that’s something I want for you too!
Find an exercise routine that you enjoy. It could be dancing, swimming, hiking or even gardening. The goal is to get your body moving for at least 30 minutes every day.
It’s not about being the best or the fastest. It’s about feeling better and boosting your happiness.
Habit 3: Embrace Imperfection
This one is a bit of a tough pill to swallow. Embracing imperfection.
Why?
Because we live in a world where we’re constantly bombarded with images and stories of perfection. Perfect bodies, perfect careers, perfect families…
But let me let you in on a secret: Perfection doesn’t exist.
And chasing it will only lead to disappointment and unhappiness.
Believe me, I know.
For years, I was caught in this trap of trying to achieve an impossible standard. And guess what? It left me feeling inadequate and deeply unhappy.
But once I learned to embrace my flaws, my mistakes, my imperfections… That’s when I truly started to feel happier. Because I wasn’t constantly beating myself up over not being ‘good enough’.
I was simply being me. And that’s enough!
A fantastic resource that helped me on this journey is a book by life coach Jeanette Brown called A Toolkit for Building a Happier Life in a Messy World.
The insights and strategies in this book are truly life-changing. I highly recommend checking it out if you’re struggling with self-acceptance and perfectionism.
Habit 4: Unplug Regularly
In a world that’s constantly connected, this next habit might seem a bit… well, counterintuitive.
Unplug regularly. Yes, you read that right. I’m talking about taking a break from all the digital noise. Social media. Emails. News.
I know, I know.
These things are a huge part of our lives.
But here’s the thing: They can also be a huge source of stress and unhappiness.
The constant barrage of information, the never-ending comparisons on social media, the relentless pressure to always be ‘on’…It can be draining. And it can steal away your happiness without you even realizing it.
That’s why it’s so important to regularly take some time to disconnect, to unplug. To just be with your own thoughts. To reconnect with yourself and the world around you, away from the screens.
Set aside one hour each day to go device-free. It could be in the morning when you wake up or in the evening before you go to bed. Use this time to do something you love that doesn’t involve technology. Read a book. Go for a walk. Paint. Write. Meditate. The choice is yours! Just make sure to give yourself this daily break from the digital world.
Habit 5: Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness is about being present in the moment. It’s about fully engaging with whatever you’re doing, right here, right now. Not thinking about the past. Not worrying about the future. Just being fully present in the now.
And here’s why this is so important: When we’re fully present, we’re not worrying.
We’re not stressing over things we can’t change or situations that haven’t occurred yet. We’re simply living. And that, my friends, is a powerful recipe for happiness.
On a personal note, practicing mindfulness has been a game-changer for me. It has helped me to slow down, to appreciate the present moment and to let go of unnecessary stress and anxiety. And it can do the same for you!
Start with just 5 minutes of mindfulness a day. You could do this through meditation, mindful eating, or even just taking a mindful walk. The goal is to focus your attention on the present moment and let go of any distracting thoughts.
It’s okay if your mind wanders (it will!). Just gently bring your attention back to the present each time it does. With practice, you’ll get better at it and start reaping the many benefits of mindfulness! Give it a try and see how it transforms your life.
Habit 6: Cut Out Toxic People
Brace yourself. This one’s a bit brutal. But it needs to be said. Cut out toxic people from your life.
You know the ones I’m talking about…The constant complainers. The energy vampires. The drama queens and kings. The ones who leave you feeling drained, stressed, and downright miserable. These people are toxic. And they can seriously impact your happiness.
It’s tough, I know. Some of these people may be close friends or even family members.
But here’s the brutal truth: Your happiness is more important.
You deserve to surround yourself with people who lift you up, not drag you down.
Take a good look at the people in your life. Identify those who make you feel bad more often than they make you feel good. And then, as hard as it may be, distance yourself from them. You don’t have to cut them off completely (unless you want to). But limit your interactions with them. Protect your energy and your happiness.
Habit 7: Learn Something New
Albert Einstein once said, “Once you stop learning, you start dying.” And I couldn’t agree more.
Learning something new is not only an excellent way to keep your mind sharp, but it also boosts your confidence and happiness.
Think about it…
Remember the last time you mastered a new skill or gained new knowledge? Didn’t it feel great?
Learning opens up new possibilities, broadens our horizons, and gives us a sense of accomplishment. It makes us feel good about ourselves. And that’s a powerful boost to our happiness!
Dedicate some time each day to learn something new. It could be anything from a new language to cooking a new recipe, or even learning how to play an instrument. The internet is filled with free resources, tutorials, and courses. Use them to your advantage and keep learning.
Habit 8: Nurture Your Relationships
Last but certainly not least, let’s talk about relationships. Our relationships with our friends, family, and loved ones play a crucial role in our happiness.
In fact, numerous studies have shown that strong, healthy relationships are one of the key factors in long-term happiness.
But here’s the thing: Relationships need nurturing. They need time, effort, and care to thrive.
And often, in the hustle and bustle of life, we forget to give them the attention they deserve.
I know I’ve been guilty of this in the past. Getting caught up in work and personal projects, I’ve neglected to nurture my relationships at times.
And let me tell you, it took a toll on my happiness.
But once I started investing time and energy into my relationships again, everything changed. I felt happier, more connected, more fulfilled.
So here’s your practical tip: Make time for your loved ones.
Schedule regular catch-ups. Have meaningful conversations. Show them that you care.
Remember, at the end of the day, it’s not about how much money we make or how successful we are. It’s about the connections we have and the love we share.
Conclusion
Those are the 8 habits that have utterly transformed my life and my happiness levels. But remember, happiness isn’t a destination.
It’s a journey. And like any journey, it requires effort, patience, and persistence.
Don’t be too hard on yourself if you stumble along the way. Just keep going, keep learning, and keep growing.
Happiness is within your reach. You just have to reach out and grab it!
If you’re looking for more tools to help you on your journey to happiness, I highly recommend checking out “A Toolkit for Building a Happier Life in a Messy World” by life coach Jeanette Brown.
It’s packed full of practical strategies and insights that can truly make a difference in your life.
Remember, happiness is not something that just happens. It’s something you create.
So go out there and create your own happiness. You’ve got this!
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