7 Steps to Achieve Happiness

We all want to be happy.

We want to wake up feeling content and excited for the day ahead.

Even though this is something we all want,
a lot of us struggle with achieving it.

Hierarchy of Needs

The concept of a hierarchy of needs was first introduced by Maslow in 1943. This hierarchy suggests that people are motivated to fulfil basic needs before moving on to other, more advanced needs. Maslow was interested in learning about what makes people happy and the things that they do to achieve that aim.

As a humanist, Maslow believed that people have an inborn desire to be self-actualised, that is, to be all they can be. In order to achieve these ultimate goals a number of more basic needs such as the need for food, safety, love, and self-esteem must be met.

There are five different levels of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs.

At the bottom of the pyramid, there are Physiological Needs: These are biological needs (oxygen, food, water and a relatively constant body temperature). They are the strongest and would come first in the person’s search for satisfaction.

Safety Needs: These are the second active ones. Adults have little awareness of their security needs, except in times of emergency or periods of disorganisation in the social structure.

Needs for Love, affection and belongingness: Maslow stated that people seek to overcome feelings of loneliness and alienation.

Needs for esteem: Humans have a need for a stable, firmly based, high level of self-respect and respect from others. When these needs are satisfied, the person feels self-confident and valuable.

Needs for self-actualization: Maslow described self-actualization as a person’s need to be and do that which the person was “born to do”.

Maslow emphasised the importance of self-actualisation, which is a process of growing and developing as a person in order to achieve individual potential.

Qualities of Self-Actualisers:

They are comfortable being with others but also being alone.
They have a sense of humour.
They have a quality called “Acceptance of Self”.
They have a sense of humility and respect for others meaning that they have democratic values

Here are a few things that should be reflected upon to grow and develop and to be happier in everyday life

1. Let go of the idea that you need to live up to other people's standards.

At the end of the day, you are the only one who has to live with yourself.

Who cares what other people think? They're not living your life -- you are. Don't waste valuable time trying to please anyone but yourself.

2. Stop feeling sorry for yourself.

People who feel sorry for themselves are their own worst enemy. You're not the only one with problems. Everyone has tough days.

As soon as you realise you can change your circumstances if you put in a little effort, you will reap the rewards of your hard work.

3. Don’t focus on your imperfections.

Insecurities affect everyone. We're all guilty of this. As hard as it may be, the sooner you learn to accept yourself for who you are, the sooner you'll be able to really be confident and happy.

4. Stop making excuses.

There will never be the perfect time for anything. Stop telling yourself you will work out tomorrow because it's raining today, or look for a new job when you have time.

We make time for the things that are important to us. Re-evaluate your priorities, and if there is something you really want to accomplish, stop making excuses and just do it.

5. Don’t be afraid to say no.

We live in a world where everyone is saying yes to everything, from requests from your boss or co-workers to plans and parties you don't actually want to go to.

We're getting burnt out doing things that don't even make us happy. Learn how to say no and you will find yourself with a lot of extra time to do the things you enjoy.

6. Have no regrets.

The literal definition of regret is “a feeling of sadness, repentance, or disappointment over an occurrence or something that one has done or failed to do.”

The keywords here are “one has done” and “failed to do .” No matter how hard you try and how many times you make a wish, you cannot change the past.

Think of regrets as lessons learned, and make an effort to do better in the future.

7. Things you must do

Eat well
Sleep
Move your body

Music to inspire;

Buzz Lerman -’ Sunscreen’

Greentea Peng- ‘Human’

Flo Rida- ‘Good Feeling’

Marvin Gaye- ‘Ain’t no mountain high enough ‘

Roy Ayers - ‘Everybody loves the sunshine

Ambala -’ Walk with the Dreamers’