--- description: Anyone can feel happier. It's easy. Science says so title: 15 Scientifically Proven Ways to Be Happier image: https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt39677da4a3cb694e/69868d6e3bc9992daf1a340b/137138263.jpg?branch=production&width=3840&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9 ---  * [Business](/section/business/) ## Business Update your preferences in [Account Settings](/account/preferences/) Close * [Careers & Workplace](/tag/careers-workplace/) ## Careers & Workplace Update your preferences in [Account Settings](/account/preferences/) Close # 15 Scientifically Proven Ways to Be Happier by [Jeff Hadden / Inc.](/author/inc/) ## Jeff Hadden / Inc. Update your preferences in [Account Settings](/account/preferences/) Close Aug 11, 2014 2:00 PM CUT  Sunshine eyes Sunshine eyesSophia Alexis—Getty Images/Flickr RF by [Jeff Hadden / Inc.](/author/inc/) ## Jeff Hadden / Inc. Update your preferences in [Account Settings](/account/preferences/) Close Aug 11, 2014 2:00 PM CUT Forget success. Forget fame. Forget fortune. Happiness is something _everyone_ wants, and wants to feel a lot more often–because where happiness is concerned, too much is never enough. Unfortunately we all have a hereditary “happiness set point.” That means approximately 50% of our happiness is outside of our control. But that means 50% of [our level of happiness is totally within our control](http://www.inc.com/jeff-haden/7-things-remarkably-happy-people-do-more.html "undefined"). So even if you’re genetically disposed to be somewhat gloomy, you can [still do things to make yourself a lot happier](http://www.inc.com/ss/jeff-haden/10-daily-habits-exceptionally-happy-people "undefined"). ([Choosing _not_ to do certain things](http://www.inc.com/jeff-haden/how-to-be-happier-work-10-things-stop-doing.html "undefined") will make you happier, too.) So doesn’t it make sense to create habits and build a lifestyle that allows you to feel more satisfied and more fulfilled? Check out this infographic on the science of happiness from [Happify](http://www.happify.com/ "undefined")…and start making changes that will make you feel a lot happier. _This post is in partnership with Inc., which offers useful advice, resources and insights to entrepreneurs and business owners. The_ [_article_](http://www.inc.com/jeff-haden/15-scientifically-proven-ways-to-be-happier.html "undefined") _above was originally published at_ [_Inc.com_](http://www.inc.com/jeff-haden/15-scientifically-proven-ways-to-be-happier.html "undefined")_._ _More from Inc:_ * [11 Decisions That Will Make You Happier](http://www.inc.com/minda-zetlin/11-choices-about-happiness-you-must-make-right-now.html?cid=sy304time "undefined") * [14 Powerful Motivational Quotes You Have Never Heard (But Should!)](http://www.inc.com/jeff-haden/14-powerful-motivational-quotes-you-have-never-heard-but-should.html?cid=sy304time "undefined") * [10 Harsh Truths That Will Improve Your Life Instantaneously](http://www.inc.com/lolly-daskal/10-harsh-truths-that-will-improve-your-life-instantaneously.html?cid=sy304time "undefined") _Read next:_ [_How 5 Post-It Notes Can Make You Happy, Confident and Successful_](http://time.com/120425/how-5-post-it-notes-can-make-you-happy-confident-and-successful/%20?iid=time%5Freadnext "undefined") [_Listen to the most important stories of the day._](http://time.com/newsletter/the-brief/autoplay/?xid=spl-fullbrief-article "undefined") ```json [{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","@id":"https://time.com/3099180/ways-to-be-happier/","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://time.com/3099180/ways-to-be-happier/"},"headline":"15 Scientifically Proven Ways to Be Happier","datePublished":"2014-08-11T14:00:29.000Z","dateModified":"2026-02-21T09:35:26.805Z","description":"Anyone can feel happier. 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