Life is supposed to be good and we are meant to be happy, but if that is true why are so many people still settling for a life that is less than they desire. My opinion? We are looking for happiness in all the wrong places. At least that’s what I was doing.
Over the past 10 years, I’ve had my fair share of struggles, and in that time I often found myself trying to transform my life from the outside in. I changed jobs, tried different diets, followed the guidance of well-meaning friends and teachers, only to find that I was more disconnected and confused than ever before. It took awhile for me to finally realize that living my best life and truly being happy wasn’t going to come in some pre-mixed formula I could follow every day.
If I was going to be truly happy, I had to find my own way. And what I found is that the old saying is true: “Happiness is an inside job.” After years of trial and error, I found 11 key ingredients that when combined, helped me live my best life from the inside out.
1. Do What You Truly Want
We live in a time where almost anything is possible, yet so many people still settle for less than what they really desire. Ask yourself honestly: what do you crave at your core? More freedom? More creativity? More love, adventure, or meaning? Whatever it is, stop waiting for permission. Start writing that book, launch the business you dream about, take that trip you keep putting off. Your life is happening now — go after what you want without excuses.
2. Stay in Your Own Lane
It’s easy to get distracted by what everyone else is doing, especially on social media. But comparing yourself to others only steals your confidence. Your path is uniquely yours. Focus on your goals, your pace, and what happiness looks like for you. What works for someone else may not be right for you — and that’s perfectly okay.
3. Assume Things Are Working Out
This mindset shift can change everything. Even if your life doesn’t look perfect right now, trust that things are quietly falling into place behind the scenes. Believe that life is supporting you. Hold that faith deeply, and you’ll start seeing how every piece eventually connects in your favor.
4. Speak Your Truth
Being honest with yourself — and with others — is one of the most freeing things you can do. Saying “yes” to things you actually want to say “no” to only leads to resentment. Honor your truth. Set boundaries. Show up as the real you. Your happiness depends on it.
5. Practice Real Self-Love
Self-love isn’t always easy, but it’s essential. It means listening to your heart, trusting your decisions, caring for your mind and body, setting boundaries, and accepting yourself fully. You don’t need to do everything at once — even small daily acts of self-respect make a huge difference over time.
6. Appreciate Things in Advance
Gratitude is powerful, but only appreciating what you already have is just the beginning. Try being thankful for the things that are still on their way to you. This mindset opens the door for more abundance and helps you enjoy the journey while you wait.
7. Do Less. Be More.
Life isn’t meant to be lived entirely through to-do lists. Sometimes the most meaningful moments happen when you slow down and just be. Step away from screens, breathe fresh air, watch the sunset, and spend time with the people you love. These are the moments that truly matter.
8. Let Go of What’s Holding You Back
Nothing keeps you stuck more than clinging to things that no longer serve you. Forgive yourself, forgive others, release old beliefs, and clear out any emotional clutter. Sometimes you even need to declutter your space. When you let go, you create room for better things to enter your life.
9. Make Time for Doing Nothing
When was the last time you intentionally did nothing? Creating space and quiet in your life — even for an hour — can bring clarity, inspiration, and a stronger connection to your intuition. Silence often reveals what the noise tries to hide.
10. Learn to Forgive
Forgiveness can be incredibly hard, but it’s also necessary for a joyful and peaceful life. Holding onto guilt, shame, or anger only weighs you down. When you forgive yourself and others, you free your heart and create space for more love, grace, and abundance.
11. Commit to Your Inner Work
Your inner world shapes your outer world. Growth isn’t always easy, but working on yourself is the only way to create the life you want. Whether you do it alone or seek support, stay committed to your personal transformation. The results will be worth it — your reality will shift in beautiful ways.