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Barker is the author of Barking Up The Wrong Tree

I went through a number of great books on happiness and pulled together ten research-based tips that can help build a happier life:

 

1) Cut the small talk. Discuss what matters.

Via Pursuing the Good Life: 100 Reflections on Positive Psychology:

(For more on how to be someone people love to talk to, click here.)

 

2) Have at least 5 friends you can discuss your problems with.

Via Finding Flow: The Psychology of Engagement with Everyday Life:

(For more on how to make friends and strengthen friendships, click here.)

 

3) Don’t just cheer people up. Celebrate their good news.

Via The Myths of Happiness: What Should Make You Happy, but Doesn’t, What Shouldn’t Make You Happy, but Does:

(For more on how to avoid the four most common relationship problems, click here.)

 

4) Write down your hopes and dreams.

Via The Myths of Happiness: What Should Make You Happy, but Doesn’t, What Shouldn’t Make You Happy, but Does:

(For more on how writing can help you overcome anxiety, tragedy or heartache, click here.)

 

5) Live a month like it’s your last.

Via The Myths of Happiness: What Should Make You Happy, but Doesn’t, What Shouldn’t Make You Happy, but Does:

(For more on what you can learn about happiness from ancient wisdom, click here.)

 

6) Know what makes everyone happy and everyone sad.

Via Engineering Happiness: A New Approach for Building a Joyful Life:

(For more on what the happiest people in the world do every day, click here.)

 

7) Join a group.

Via Engineering Happiness: A New Approach for Building a Joyful Life:

(For more on how to never be frustrated again, click here.)

 

8) For a happier life, set goals.

Via Engineering Happiness: A New Approach for Building a Joyful Life:

(For more on what the most productive people do every day, click here.)

 

9) Optimism can save your life.

Via Flourish: A Visionary New Understanding of Happiness and Well-being:

(For more on how to be optimistic, click here.)

 

10) Anticipating happiness will double your happiness.

Via Stumbling on Happiness:

(For more on how to savor the good things and be happier, click here.)

This piece originally appeared on Barking Up the Wrong Tree.

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