How to Achieve Happiness

The ability to achieve happiness is within the human body for each and every living soul and the ability to achieve happiness depends on an individuals acceptance of happiness being a state of mind within their own control.  It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to be happy nor does it require full maturity.

Are babies happy?  Within a few months of life most babies learn to smile and laugh, obvious outward signs of happiness.  How did these babies become happy in such a short amount of time?  According to the hierarchy of needs a baby’s happiness, or self-actualization, is a direct result of nature in conjunction with the actions of another human being.  

The fact is, babies are capable of feeling and showing happiness because happiness is a state of mind.  Babies don’t know how to be unhappy until circumstances show them how.  Think about it.  Babies don’t cry because their unhappy, babies cry because they haven’t yet learned how to talk.

As the baby grows into an adult they are no longer dependent upon another human being to satisfy their basic needs.  Does this mean they are no longer happy?  No.  This means they are achieving independence which is traditionally a happy time in an individual’s life.  Oh sure, there will be difficulties and trying circumstances, but that doesn’t equal unhappiness.  Difficult and trying circumstances are a part of life and not everyone can avoid them.  Does this mean people are no longer happy at this time in their lives?  No.  It means people are learning, still, how to get through life.

What is it, really, that brings people to being happy?  Can happiness be achieved over and over again on a daily basis or is it something within the human spirit that only needs to be called upon when needed or wanted? 

There are some people in this world who, for whatever reason, have missed seemingly crucial stages in the hierarchy of needs yet have been able to achieve extreme self-actualization.  It is uncertain if these people are truly happy, but they certainly appear to be, and to have achieved self-actualization along with their success.  According to the hierarchy of needs it isn’t possible. 

According to the hierarchy of needs, if a person does not achieve the goals of friendship, family and sexual intimacy, they will not be able to develop self-esteem, confidence, respect for others; they will not be able to reach achievements, or gain respect from others.  If a person does not reach this level they will not be able to reach the next stage of self-actualization, or, in other words, happiness. 

What it all boils down to is this: either your happiness is based on the actions of others or you take charge of your own happiness. If your happiness is based on the actions of others it will fail to sustain you through success. By choosing to take responsibility for your own happiness you choose to succeed and achieve throughout your life.