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Everyone wants to be happy in life, but happiness often seems elusive. Despite this, certain behaviors can create joy and fulfillment, which in turn makes a person happy.

Rather than fiercely chasing perpetual happiness, positioning oneself for it proves more effective. Psychologist and author Jeffrey Bernstein explains that the frantic pursuit of happiness often overlooks valuable lessons from challenges, resulting in stress and anxiety. 

A study suggests that the increase in the use of social media correlates with lower happiness, especially due to increased negative feelings and social comparison. Because of social media, it becomes easy for people to compare their lives with idealized behaviors and lifestyles, leaving them feeling empty.

However, genuine contentment arises from positive, realistic actions. Accepting responsibility for one's happiness empowers them, and learning from both positive and negative experiences sets a sustainable path to contentment.

Bernstein notes that happy individuals typically integrate these three attainable steps into their lives:

Cultivate a positive mindset

Realistically maintaining positivity involves acknowledging life's challenges while reframing situations optimistically. Practicing gratitude regularly, regardless of life's scale, heightens well-being.

Seek meaningful relationships and extend kindness

In a study, happier individuals were proven to prefer pairing social gains with financial losses, using social events as buffers. Happy people generally favor social events after negative experiences or losses.

This means investing in meaningful connections and actively nurturing them provides emotional support and a sense of belonging. Effective communication, empathy, and acts of kindness fortify these bonds and enhance personal fulfillment. 

Pursue personal growth

Embracing challenges as opportunities for growth defines happy individuals. Setting goals, prioritizing self-care and seeing setbacks as learning experiences contribute to continuous development.