Want to be happy? Here’s the secret. The pursuit of happiness is a universal desire. We are all striving to have more of it in our lives.

The challenge that many people face is that they try to find happiness, in the form of external circumstances or rewards. This form of happiness is only temporary.

This idea is supported by research that suggests that only 10 percent of our happiness comes from external factors. The rest of the happiness equation is made up of our genetics, the thoughts, and behaviors that we do deliberately, and our attitude.

People fail to realize that happiness comes from within, and the degree to which you experience it is entirely in your control. In the words of Many Hale, “Happiness is an inside job. Don’t assign anyone else that much power over your life.”

Want to be happy? Here’s the secret. It’s easier than you think.

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Happiness flows more easily into our lives when we focus on the positive. Here’s where the problem lies. As human beings, we are hard wired to look for the negative.

This is supported by research that shows that the brain reacts more strongly to negative stimuli. Thus, our attitudes are more heavily influenced by bad news, rather than good news.

It’s easy to blame others for our downfalls, but ultimately we are the ones who are responsible for our lives. We can either rise up, take accountability and change what doesn’t feel good, or we can dwell in self-loathing and despair. Which sounds better to you?

Don’t dwell on the negative. Rather, wake up every day and ask yourself, “What is the good in this situation?” Doing so will allow you to train your brain to continually look for the positive and celebrate life to the fullest.

We all need to get out of our heads and into our hearts more. The head is great for processing information and breaking down thoughts, but our hearts are our compass, our seat of truth, and the place that we go to when we are seeking alignment.

A great way to strengthen the heart muscle is through adopting an attitude of gratitude. No matter what our circumstances are in life, we can all be grateful for something. What are you grateful for?

The feeling of happiness is a state that is achieved by way of being present with yourself and being grateful for what you have. If you actively look for the good, you will find it.

Gratitude has been shown to have countless benefits; some of which include health, happiness, satisfaction with life, and the way we relate to others.

Every single day, as part of my morning routine, I take part in a gratitude exercise in my 5-Minute Journal, which inspires me to start my day with a grateful heart. Take 5 minutes every day and write down what it is that you are grateful for. This is a simple, yet powerful exercise.

Do you want to be more happy? Here’s the secret. Let happiness find you by finding your flow and engaging in valued activities that bring you joy and fulfillment. These are the experiences that contribute to the feeling of happiness.

Happiness is a choice that we have to make every day. Create a morning ritual and engage in something every day that makes you happy. When you make this commitment to yourself, these healthy habits will shift your mindset, allowing you to see the good in everything.

Want to be happy? Here’s the secret. Make the decision to be happy NOW! Focus on it, feel it, and live it.

Take it from David Cuschieri, “Every morning I make the biggest decision of my life: To be happy today. All I know is the here and now. What happened yesterday and what may happen tomorrow is either gone or hasn’t happened yet.”

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I would like to share 3 benefits of minimalism that extend to all areas of life. Through life's ups and downs, it is important that we remember to take the time to enjoy the simple things in life. We need to be grateful for what we have, and focus on finding meaning in our lives.

Life is meant to be enjoyed, not filled with stress and frustration. Minimalism is a state of being, a simple approach to life, that can help us do more with less.  In the words of Vernon Howard, “You have succeeded in life when all you really want is only what you really need.”

That is why I wanted to invite Will Chou, the founder of Will You Laugh, a self-development blog that focuses on the secrets to success, to write a guest post to talk about 3 benefits of minimalism that extend to all areas of life.

Take it away, Will!

When I first discovered minimalism, I was a mess of a person and I thought it was stupid. But everything has changed now.  To explain my change of opinion, we have to go back to the beginning. When I first discovered minimalism, I really wanted to travel the world for a living.

At the time, I was disillusioned with my career paths and confused about my future. I was struggling to find work I could enjoy and the job opportunities that I was offered, sucked. To put it simply, like many Millennials, I had chosen a tough college major that I loved (pre-med Biology) but realized too late that it wasn’t my passion (after graduation).

My days of despair led me to seek escapism on the Internet. I discovered a large group of online bloggers that had a huge following and who called themselves, “travel hackers.”

Essentially, they would travel to exotic places for a living and make their living by “hacking life.” They were able to achieve a level of financial freedom that most people would envy. At first, I wasn't sold on this whole idea of minimalism, but that soon changed. Today, I want to share with you the three benefits of minimalism that extend to all areas of life:

1. You Will Stay Organized and Clean

I had always been a messy person. Despite my best efforts to stay clean, my room would quickly morph into a mess of junk. To put it simply, the more items you have, the more opportunity it is for it to make you feel and appear messy.

When you only have a couple of items on your desk, it’s never going to look that messy no matter how long you delay cleaning it up. It’s shocking how few people understand or use this habit. Nowadays, I have applied this minimalist philosophy to every area of my life.

2. You Will Achieve More By Working Less

A lot of people make the mistake of approaching their daily to-do list with a reactive state of mind. They take on too many tasks on a daily basis, many of which are unimportant. When they look back at what they have accomplished, they are surprised by their lack of progress.

A solution is a form of minimalism called essentialism. The concept is simple. Focus on one to three tasks per day. Make sure they are the most important tasks that will make the biggest impact on the accomplishment of your goals. If you do this right, you will realize that you’re doing less work but getting more results by prioritizing and cutting out the unnecessary.

3. You Feel Happier and Less Stressed

Not so long ago, I was frustrated with my progress, both professionally and personally. I didn’t have quality friends, I wasn't earning much, and I was lost and without direction in my dating life.

It was confusing because I had always worked super hard in school and “done the right things.” After doing a lot of research on success, happy people, and the science of happiness, I came up with a simple mantra that has helped me a lot. It goes something like, “As long as I have air, water, food, a healthy mind, and a healthy body, I am happy.”

This mantra reminds me to lead a simple, happy life. By living this philosophy, I have become a much happier, more relaxed, and lighter person.

I Am Not A Minimalist And I Don’t Want You To Be. 

Wait, what? After all, I have said, I’m now revealing that I’m not a minimalist, I don’t intend to be one. Why? I can't say that I would be happy with living a lifestyle of extreme minimalism, and that’s OK. What I love about some minimalist influencers out there is that they’re not telling you to become a minimalist.

Rather, they are encouraging that you adopt the minimalist practices that work for you. That’s where I stand. I will be rich one day and I will buy expensive experiences, but the items and services I do buy will be fewer than the average person, and they will be focused on memorable experiences, rather than a desire to hold onto possession.

It’s important not to swing from one extreme perspective (“Everything you buy has value so you should hoard it.”) to the other (“Nothing has value so get rid of it all.”). The truth lies closer to the middle.

Will has spent thousands of hours studying the world's most successful people and shares his findings on his self-development blog, Will You Laugh. Get his free gift made especially for Project Life Mastery readers by CLICKING HERE!

Is life worth living? Is that an empowering belief system? If you were able to sit back and question this belief, you would find that you come up with a very different perspective on life.

A belief is a feeling of confidence that something is true. The reason why a belief is so important is because it determines the meaning that you give to the circumstances and events of your life.

An examination of deciding, is life worth living, needs to start with an honest process of inward self-reflection. There is so much value that life provides, if you are willing to look for it.

When was the last time that you took some time to think about what it is that makes life so meaningful? You control the meaning of your life. At any point in time, you can re-write your story.

Is life worth living? Yes! and there are so many reasons why it is.

Watch the video below:

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(iTunes Podcast Coming Soon)

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Your beliefs determine your behaviours in life, which is why it’s so important that you adopt an empowering mindset.

If you continue to ask the question, is life worth living, you need to step back and examine what is creating this limiting belief system.

Whatever has held you back in the past from living the life that you desire, you have the power to overcome your fears and change your life. Learn from people that have already overcome the very things that hold you back from stepping into your power.

When I was younger, I was lost and confused. I didn’t know who I was and where my life was going. This is a normal process of growing up and finding your way. It isn't until you go through a process of self-discovery that you realize what your passions are. That is when the question, “Is life worth living?” becomes clear, which is why it's important to possess a passionate curiosity for learning.

Each day is an adventure in and of itself. You have no idea who you are going to meet, what you are going to learn, or who you are going to impact. Not only that, but every day is a new opportunity to grow and develop yourself.

If you are doubting or questioning your place in life, then it’s time to change your perspective and decide, is life worth living.

“In many shamanic societies, if you came to a medicine person complaining of being disheartened, dispirited, depressed, they would ask one of four questions: When did you stop dancing? When did you stop singing? When did you stop being enchanted by stories? When did you stop finding comfort in the sweet territory of silence?”

Gabrielle Rothou

If you have stopped embracing everything that life has to offer, then you will start to change your mood. That’s when the question arises: is life worth living?

It’s time for you to take charge of what you are passionate about in life and what you love. And, you also need to change the belief system and question of whether life is worth it.

If there is something that you are unhappy with in your life, then you can change it. However, it takes looking at life as an adventure, to find a space for self-improvement and to begin learning about everything that the planet has to offer.

Once you begin to look at this perspective, it will change your outlook on life.

Personal growth and development is one of the best ways to discover your mission life. Step back and ask yourself, “What makes me come alive inside?” It’s not our possessions that make us happy, but rather the people who uplift us, and the empowering experiences that inspire us to become the best versions of ourselves.

No matter what job you have, how much money you have in your bank account, or where you came from in life, I believe that there is nothing more important than living a life of service. When you begin to do this, it changes the perspective of when you ask, is life worth living. I have dedicated my career to serving and being of value to others.

The Dalai Lama said it best, “We are visitors on this planet. We are here for one hundred years at the very most. During that period we must try to do something good, something useful, with our lives. if you contribute to other people's happiness, you will find the true meaning of life.”

Having a vision is what makes life more exciting and worthwhile, which is why I created a book called, My Life Plan. It represents my passions, purpose, and the ultimate vision for my life.

In that book, I break down my life into 7 core areas, a model that I originally learned from Tony Robbins.

In his book, Your Life On Purpose: How to Find What Matters and Create the Life You Want, Matthew McKay points out that he has noticed a recurring problem: Everyone wants to live rich and meaningful lives, but we get mired in setting goals and directions that are disconnected from our core values.

How often do you see someone who has wealth, but they seem depressed or confused about their direction?

They have experienced fame and have risen to the top, but then have other problems that cause them to lose out on the experience.

There is one, core issue which is related to these issues continuing to arise. Not having a life purpose and not creating meaning for yourself leads to a negative outcome.

Unless you begin to understand the core of who you are and what your purpose is on life, you will continue to ask the question, is life worth living?

Diving deeply into who you are and what you want to do in this life is not an overnight epiphany. It takes work and committment to yourself to break through what is holding you back from living how you really desire and from being fulfilled.

It may mean changing certain habits in your life that are not fulfilling or which cause you to lose a sense of purpose in your life.

It means digging into the deeper parts of your true self to find out how to authentically live and to determine who you are.

When you begin to look at your passion and purpose, you have to break through the areas of your life which don’t serve you and let them go. In this way, you can find what does work and what you should embrace as a part of your true self.

If after reading this blog, you are still wondering, “Is life worth living?”, I challenge you to question that belief system, go inward, discover what it is that makes you come alive inside, and then go do those things.

You and only you have the power to create the life that you want. Don’t let life happen to you. Instead, be a conscious creator. No one finds life worth living; he must make it worth living.

Is life worth living? Yes. This is your life. Make it a beautiful one!

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If you think you are going nowhere in life, take a deep breath and watch this.

It is important that you accept that the past is ancient history. It’s okay to remember your past, but don’t live in it. It does not dictate or determine your future in any way, unless you allow it to.

It’s time to stop worrying and start living, today. In the words of Lisa Unger, “The past is history, the future is a mystery, but the present is a gift.”  

In this very moment, you have an opportunity to make new decisions, choices, and actions in order to create the life that you desire. Who do you want to be TODAY, and what do you want to create for your future? You are the master of your destiny.

Watch the video below:

(Click here to watch on YouTube)

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The best way to answer this question is to create a compelling vision for your life. This is one of the most effective strategies for achieving your dreams.

Most people have a million excuses for why they can’t dream. Tap into the small child inside of you who believes that they can be and do anything in this world. What would that look like for you?

Creating a vision for your life begins by identifying your core values and your purpose. Unfortunately, for many people, a vision doesn’t seem real for them, which is why you need to break it down into smaller goals.

You need to have a yearly goal in every aspect of your life – health, emotions, finances, spirituality, career, relationships, etc. For example, if you want to make $100,000 in one year, then how much money do you need to make in the next 6 months, 3 months, or 1 month?

A vision is a powerful catalyst for doing so, because it gives you something to work towards. Don’t let your vision scare you. Everything of value in life always has a starting point. Just start!

When I was 17 years old I didn’t think that my life was going anywhere – I was shy, depressed, lonely, and I was addicted to video games.

I let my life pass me by because I wasn’t focused on creating the future that I desired. This was a big mistake. As soon as you start thinking for your future, and not just doing what is convenient and comfortable, your life changes.

If you want to invest in your future, you need to start learning and growing. When you do so, it opens up your mind to new possibilities and opportunities. Jim Rohn said it best, “If you want to have more, you need to become more.”

In my early 20’s, I made the decision to change my life for the better. I didn’t have much money at the time, but I was committed to personal growth.

I remember that I went to a thrift shop in Vancouver, B.C. and bought $2 self-development books and started reading as much as I could.

Reading these books made me realize what my mission and purpose in life was. From that moment on, I was hooked.

If you think you are going nowhere in life, drop that story. The beauty of life is that, at any given moment, you have the power to make a change.

Find resources, seminars, or books that target your biggest obstacle in life, and learn the strategies and habits from the people that have overcome whatever it is that is holding you back. Once you overcome your fears, you will upgrade your life.

Lastly, every month I challenge you to write down and document all of the amazing goals that you have accomplished in your life, big and small. Every month I like to capture my monthly goals, the conversations I had, the books that I read, the content I have consumed, the ways that I grew and improved myself, and the actions that I took in my business. If you do so, it will inspire and motivate you to achieve more.

If you think you are going nowhere in life, take a deep breath and watch this. Write down your vision and your goals, and then take action!

Nothing is going to change if you just consume content. You need to apply what you are learning. There is no better time than now to take a risk, push your comfort zone, and become the person that you desire to be. Are you ready?

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I would like to respond to a question that I received on Snapchat from one of my follower’s by the name of Noah, who asked me to reflect on how to find meaning in life. This topic brings into question the myriad of limiting beliefs that people have about themselves and the world.

We all have limiting beliefs that hold us back from achieving our goals and dreams. However, at any given moment, we have the power to change those beliefs. Finding meaning in life may seem incomprehensible, but if you commit to shifting your mindset, your entire life will transform, giving you the power to create a life that is rich in meaning.

In the words of Brian Tracy, “You begin to fly when you let go of self-limiting belief and allow your mind and aspirations to rise to greater heights.” Are you ready to let go of your limiting beliefs and find meaning in life?

Watch the video below:

(Click here to watch on YouTube)

[smart_track_player url=”http://www.buzzsprout.com/9299/524986-plm-438-how-to-find-meaning-in-life.mp3″ background=”default” ]

Do you want to learn how to create a morning ritual that will help you find meaning in life? CLICK HERE to purchase my course, Morning Ritual Mastery!

Noah shared some of this story with me, saying that, “Sometimes I lose motivation because I feel that life has no point. I’m not depressed. I’m a very happy person. For example, I’ve worked hard, got all A’s in school, but I don’t feel like I’ve benefited from it at all. Could you talk about happiness and fulfillment and how to succeed at life?”

The first point that I want to touch on from Noah’s comment is when he expresses that, “Life has no point.” Noah, if you truly believe this, then that is a very disempowering belief that is going to hold you back in life. Why wake up every day and achieve a goal if you believe that life has no meaning? Why do anything?

This limiting belief system is something that you need to change. Is it really true that life has no point? I would argue, no. Be honest with yourself and start to question this belief. Ask yourself, “Is it possible that I’ve misinterpreted an event or circumstance in my life? Is it possible that other people don’t have this belief, and instead, believe that life is full of meaning and joy?”

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One thing that I’ve learned from years of coaching people is that you always have to take someone’s challenge and define it in solvable terms. Noah, you need to understand that this is JUST a belief, and you have the power to shift it at any time. It’s hard to change your entire life, but it’s easy to change a pattern or a belief.

Only YOU control the meaning of your life. Whatever you tell yourself will be true for you, whether or it’s based in reality or not. If you believe that life has no point, then that is what you are going to manifest.

What is the more empowering perspective that you could take towards life? We so often take life for granted and don’t take pleasure in the little things. Instead, we drown in worry and fear, which inhibits our ability to be present and grateful. We dwell on what we don’t have, instead of being happy for what we do have.

Noah, it sounds like you haven’t found a purpose for your life yet, something that empowers and drives you. What do you want your life to be about? Just decide. Martin Luther King once said, “A man or a woman that hasn’t yet found something that they are willing to die for, isn’t fit to live.”

Do you want to learn how to create a morning ritual that will help you find meaning in life? CLICK HERE to purchase my course, Morning Ritual Mastery!

Noah, the second point that you made that I want to touch on is that you expressed that you have received straight A’s in school, but that you don’t feel that you received any benefit from it. This is also a limiting belief that you have. Again, I’m going to challenge you. Did school teach you to show up and be consistent? Did school projects improve your memory and focus? Did you learn how to work hard and follow through on a task and do a good job? Of course! The list goes on and on.

The problem is that you aren’t seeing them because you’ve got blinders on. Train your mind to focus on the good because there is value in everything IF you look for it. Every day, ask yourself, “What is the benefit of this experience?” Make it a priority to find more joy in the richness of life.

Lastly, you asked me to comment on how to be happy and fulfilled in life. The best advice that I can give you is that you have to focus on the good things that already exist in your life. You don’t have to achieve something grandiose in order to experience true happiness. Happiness is an inside job.

It’s not the events of your life that create happiness. Rather, it’s the meaning that you ascribe to those events. Commit to living your life to the fullest, regardless of your circumstances in life, because happiness is a choice.

Another piece of advice that I can give you is that, if you don’t already have a morning ritual, you need one. This is a practical way to start conditioning your mind to focus on the good every day so that you can experience a rich and happy life. I have tons of free content on morning rituals on my blog, or you can purchase my course, Morning Ritual Mastery.

This course will teach you how to train your mind to be happy and to shift the negative beliefs that are holding you back from success in life. I also have an inexpensive monthly mentoring program called, Life Mastery Accelerator that you may benefit from. It teaches you how to succeed and master every area of your life.

Noah, I hope that these insights have inspired and motivated you. Be aware of your limiting beliefs, make a conscious effort to shift them, create an empowering ritual, and find happiness from the small things in life. Get out of your head and into your heart. This is how you will find meaning in life.

In the words of Victor Frankl, “The meaning of life is to give life meaning.” Don’t give up until you’ve found it.

Do you want to learn how to become the master of your own happiness in all areas of your life? CLICK HERE to join my program, Life Mastery Accelerator?