Apart from smiling and laughing more often than the rest of the population, happy people also have these four traits in common:

1.  They live in the present

Happy people focus on what’s happening right now. They know that whatever happened in the past, stays in the past. There’s no point mourning about it in the present. So, they make the most of what they do have. They learn from their mistakes and failures in the past, but they don’t dwell on it too much. Which is the exact opposite unhappy people do.

Most people are unhappy because they let themselves get too attached to the past. If you’re one of them, you’ve got to learn to let go. Move on and focus on what you’ve got right in front of you, right this very moment. Otherwise, you’re going to miss out big time on the present, and you’ll only add it to your long list of things you regret.

2.  They’re optimistic about the future

Happy people aren’t naïve. They know the future is important. They can’t simply live in the present, and not have a good plan for the future. They’re optimistic about what the future holds.

If you’ve got a good thing going, you’d want it to last as long as possible. This is why happy people want to protect their source of happiness. They’re not going to throw it away for some silly things that are going to cost them a whole lot more.

3.  They appreciate everything

Gratitude is often overlooked in one’s quest for happiness. It’s so easy to look beyond the good things you do have and go straight to wishing for things you know are way out of your league.

Let’s talk about money: for most people, being wealthy is their ultimate goal. They think that when they become rich, they can finally be happy. But, oftentimes, this isn’t the case. You can be happy without being wealthy. Try to appreciate the gift of life, family and friends, good health, etc. Life’s not all about money, you know.

4.  They have a good sense of humour

Happy people know how to roll with the punches. They don’t dwell on whatever negative thing’s happening to them right now. They take it all in stride. They try to find the humor in everything. This is why happy people are such a joy to be with – they help other’s see things in a different and more positive light. 

These are traits that you can develop in yourself!