The secret to happiness found in these 5 clichés

Inspirational quotes are everywhere… On plaques, keychains, T-shirts and even pillows… You can’t escape them. You hear them on the radio and see them on billboards when you’re driving to work and when you log on to your social media.

And, while they may make you want to roll your eyes at times, according to author and Savvy Psychologist, Ellen Hendriksen, you just might find the secret to happiness by following the advice of some classic clichés.

Here are five of the most well-known quotes when it comes to finding happiness in your life and how to put them into action in order to smile more and stress less.

Happiness Tip #1 – Don’t worry, be happy

I hear you singing along already but while it’s easy to say, kicking worry to the curb is hard to do in practice.

So, what should it say instead?

According to Dr. Hendriksen, a better way to look at it is that it’s okay to feel life’s ups and downs.

Because, it’s too much pressure to expect that you’ll be happy all of the time. It’s normal to have struggles and down times – and not a sign that something has gone seriously wrong in your life.

It’s okay to feel sad when faced with a loss. It’s totally normal to feel incompetent when you’re trying something new for the first time. And, it’s fine to feel anxious when you’re going through a big transition, like moving or changing jobs.

In other words, the ups and downs of life are part of a normal, healthy rhythm to your world.

Happiness Tip #2 – The purpose of life is a life of purpose

What does it really mean?

According to the Savvy Psychologist, it means to find your purpose to fight stress and take care of yourself.

It’s that simple.

You see, studies have shown that having a purpose increases both the quality and the quantity of your life – or the number of years you live as well as how happy you are living them.

So, what is purpose?

Being directed and motivated by goals and values.

When you live life with a purpose, you’re more likely to take care of yourself and you’re less likely to feel overwhelmed by stress and depression. In fact, a huge study of 100,000 people found that those with a purpose are happier with their life.

Does your purpose have to be something that changes the world? I’d like to answer that with a popular social media meme I’ve seen recently of someone holding a kitten. It says, “Loving this kitten won’t change the world… but it will change this kitten’s world.”

Happiness Tip #3 – Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment

You’d think by reading this one that the way to be happy and reach your goals is by meeting temptation with discipline and exerting self-control.

But, according to Dr. Hendriksen, that’s the wrong answer. In fact, this one should actually read: Organize your life so you don’t have to exert discipline.

You see, a Canadian study found that the ability to resist temptation had nothing whatsoever to do with success. In actuality, not having to face temptation at all was the secret to higher success.

So, organize your life in order to avoid temptation and you’re more likely to meet your goals and find happiness. How do you put this into practical use?

Don’t go through the drive-thru when you’re on a diet. And, when you’re working, turn off your Facebook notifications so you’re less likely to be distracted.

Happiness Tip #4 – Do one thing every day that scares you

Do you ever find yourself avoiding new things… and wonder why this is?

You see, avoiding things that take you out of your comfort zone can feel safe, but it also keeps you from realizing your true potential.

The key is to get out of that comfort zone at least once a day and find out how capable you really are. What are some ways to do this?

Try eating out alone. Many people find going out to lunch or dinner alone uncomfortable, but it’s a good way to discover your confidence and independence.

Another way is to start a conversation with someone you don’t know well… or join a group hike if you’e not really the outdoorsy type, but want to see what all the hype is about.

It may seem scary, awkward or challenging at first, but you should find the rewards worth it.

Happiness Tip #5 – Live every day as if it were your last

In other words, never think that you have enough time to do everything you want — because no one truly knows if tomorrow exists, until tomorrow comes. So, to risk sounding cliché, you should seize today.

In fact, multiple studies have shown that when you think of the time you have as finite, you’re more likely to participate in more activities, spend extra time with friends and family and have an overall better quality of life and higher level of happiness.

So get out your bucket list and get started on it, pronto.