We can improve feelings of happiness by changing our thoughts, behaviors, and circumstances. Research has largely focused on changing our thoughts with lots of published strategies to help with changing our thoughts. Within this, there are some strategies that you can use to change negative thoughts into being more positive, and thus happier overall. Below are a few thoughts or affirmations you can consider to increase feelings of happiness. 

 

1. I Am Worth It

Feelings of self-worth are closely linked to happiness. Thus, focusing on developing your self-confidence, self-compassion and self-love can be beneficial. Consider writing down what you are grateful for about yourself, or things you have done well each day to get yourself started. 

2. I Am Grateful for the Things and People I Have in My Life

Gratitude is linked to lots of positive outcomes, including positive mood. Having an attitude of gratitude increases feelings of happiness. Have you tried a gratitude journal lately? 

3. I Know I Am Working Toward My Goals

Setting goals and working toward them allows us to establish greater autonomy as we are choosing how we live our lives and deciding where we want to do. Setting goals also helps us experience more meaning in life as we pursue goals we care about. Think about the goals you have, or want to have, and focus on the ways you are working toward them. 

4. I Accept the Things I Cannot Change

Acceptance is linked to positive well-being. Mindfulness is a good way to work on developing acceptance and awareness. As you become more accepting, random things that come up day-to-day that might have upset us before seem less bothersome, making it easier to be happy. 

5. I Am Open to Whatever Comes My Way

When we are more open and flexible, we feel less upset when things don’t go our way. We stop ruminating about bad things in the past or worrying about future possibilities. Maintain thoughts of openness and adaptability to help develop positive thinking. 

6. I Won’t Give Up

Life can be stressful at times however keeping this thought in mind is important. It’s important we remind ourselves of our strength so that we don’t give up. 

7. I Can Change How Happy I Am

We actually have a large amount, not 100%, but a large amount of control over our own feelings of happiness. While our environment can influence feelings of happiness, our thoughts and behaviors control a large part of our happiness. Through time, effort, and dedication we can shift our thinking to more positive ways of thinking and feeling. 

8. I Believe in Myself

If you believe in yourself and expect positive outcomes for yourself, you are more likely to get what it is you expect (check out expectation theory for more on this). This is true for both positive and negative expectations. Aim for positive expectations!

For some additional support in shifting your thoughts and beliefs toward a happier outlook, click here.