Happiness is an important part of a successful persona. Happy people are triumphant and contented. More importantly, they are themselves agents of happiness. They spread sunshine wherever they go. So, they can easily form successful relationships with those around them. In short, happiness is a factor that can make all the difference between success and failure.

It is in recognition of the importance of happiness in life that there is now a branch of psychology dedicated to it. If you look back at the history of psychology, you will see that at one time, psychologists were only treating mental illnesses. Then came a phase when they were caught up with what generates negative emotions. However, in the last 5-10 years there is more awareness of what makes people happy. This is due to a burgeoning movement called positive psychology . This science focuses attention on the strengths of people rather than their shortcomings. It studies the secrets that contribute to happiness, instead of distress and pain.

Positive psychologists have discovered that a large percentage of factors contributing to happiness is genetic and accidental. For instance, you have little control over what kind of family you are born into and what your financial circumstances are at the beginning of your life. Even so, every individual has control over 40% of the factors contributing to happiness. These factors include your personal attitude to life, your ability to see the bright side of things and your personal philosophy of life, among other things. If you can control these and align them to the path of happiness, you can easily take giant leaps towards happiness.

Some of the most powerful secrets of happiness are as follows:

Count your blessings: Do you remember the first time you drove a car? Do you remember the excitement and the feeling of pride? Now that you are regularly driving your car, you no longer feel the same happiness. Why? You have stopped counting your blessings! At one time, when the experience was new, you felt humbled by it. You were appreciative. But now that the experience is jaded, you no longer feel the same vibrant happiness. Stop taking your life, relationships, home and facilities for granted. For once, stop and tell yourself, ‘Wow! My life is simply great. I have everything I need. I am the happiest person alive!’

Invest time in close relationships: Study after study has found that people in steady relationships live longer, are happier and feel more secure about themselves. Support and nurture close relationships.

Do some charity work: Helping others is important to human nature though most of us would like to think otherwise. When you see people in need and do something to relieve their pain, you will find your heart brimming with happiness.

Choose to be happy: These days, our tolerance level is very low. Even the smallest things irritate and distress us. Change this trend. Choose to be happy. When you feel the irritation mounting, think about the good things in your life.

Smile: This may seem silly but the simple act of lifting the corners of your mouth will put you in a happier frame of mind. You simply cannot smile and be unhappy.