Everybody want to be happier, right? But sometimes, happiness is a far-away pleasure for some as they believe money, fame, or a gadget will make them happy. Yes, these things can bring happiness, albeit a short one.

According to Sonja Lyubomirsky, a professor of psychology at the University of California at Riverside, happiness is not about material things, fame or more money, material things, beauty or fame. She believes that happiness lies in changing one’s circumstances; that happiness can only be found inside oneself.

Her research reports that there is no link between happiness and material wealth, fame or money. Actually, materialism is even an indicator of unhappiness. She observed that genuinely happy people always look for things to do and never get contented with being
idle. “They make things happen They pursue new understandings, seek new achievements and control their thoughts and feelings.” she said. Also, the activities they do have a powerful effect on how happy they are.

For her, doing simple activities like expressing gratitude, practicing acts of kindness, learning to forgive, savoring life’s joys and practicing religion and spirituality can boost happiness. “Go ahead and forgive, savor, thrive, look on the bright side and count your blessings. Aim to do it unconsciously and automatically,” she said.

Pursuing happiness takes work, commitment and making some permanent changes in life but one must instill in mind that they doing something rewarding in their life. “There is no happiness without action,” Lyubomirsky said.