Making a decent amount of money doing something you enjoy would be a good start to being happy I think
I wish that I had the definitive answer to the question, but I think that not only does the definition of happiness vary by person, it also changes for each person as his/her life develops. The one thing that I am sure of: happiness comes from within the person, not from the outside. I have seen millionaires with big houses and bank accounts that let them do or acquire whatever they want who are miserably unhappy. Likewise, I have witnessed people who have had the odds stacked against them for economic, health and many other issues that are generally quite happy. As someone who has had to scratch and fight my way up the career/economic ladder my whole life, I believe that I surprised my daughter a few years ago with an answer to a fear she raised as she was about to enter a very competitive academic program in college. We were standing by my car as we waited for my son to return from his soccer practice and she said: "Daddy, I am worried that I will not be able to handle the pressure of this program that I am about to enter and you will be disappointed/not proud of me if I end up with a different, less prestigious career." My reply was, that my entire expectations for her in terms of a career was for me to be able to say to family, friends, and colleagues: "Jamie is happy and doing ________________." I told her that I did not care at all how she filled in the blank as long as she was happy and that is what would make me proud of and happy for her. I did not have this "luxury" (choosing work that would cause me happiness) when I was young and I view providing that option to my children as a primary duty of my parenting.
Stop wanting to be happy. Stop constantly looking for the things that will make you happy but will not (achieving something, getting stuff) You can already be happy by just letting go It's a lot tougher than other times. Sometimes you realise that you need to be 'present' in the moment but still don't feel happy. Other times, you realise and feel immersed in the moment, and its easier for you to 'let go'. Give yourself more space to relax, meditate (I recently took up this habit!), take a long bath, read books, do something that makes YOU feel present in the moment. After that, you'll find it easier to do regular stuff and be 'present'. Also, dont be distracted by impulses because that's not being present. I find myself reaching out for my mobile phone just to see whats going on, when I realise that I dont even like looking at my phone THAT often... The kind of happiness you want to be achieve will be the moments where you feel calm, relaxed without needing anything (at all) to feel that way. That's the feeling you'll want to remember. And when you do... you'll be able to re-remind yourself of what it feels like.
The simple rule: Just do what you like or what you like to do... ***Mr. Dee Spide just joined the forum*** avoid all the things, people and works that stop you from being happy...
For me happiness is getting a good pump at the gym. And seeing all the women stare at me on the road.
For you happiness is getting a good pump at the gym, and *thinking* that women are staring at you on the road. (self deception/ego)
Doing the things I love to do or trying very hard to be able to do them. I also try as much as possible to show love and care for fellow man!
Forgive & forget - 2 of the most important keys to open the treasure chest of happiness. Forgive yourself of the mistakes you have made in the past Forget the decisions that you regret, but remember the lesson it taught you.
If you come to that level that you are happy just to be alive today, then you are truly happy. For me being happy means that I can provide peace for myself, my family and my friends. By peace I mean normal life standards... (food,sleep,etc...)
There is a lot of theories but real happiness is inside your soul. You can be happy by working job you do not like, by meeting people you do not like.. But, if you need to 'recharge your life batteries' you should read / watch (on Youtube) about 'sun gazing' I'm doing that kind of thing and I can truly tell you, you have to start with it to see changes and understand what are others talking about.