5 Ways to Identify What Makes You Happy (And Stick with It)

Happiness—it’s what we all want, right? Yet, for some reason, figuring out what truly makes us happy feels like solving a Rubik’s cube while blindfolded. One day, you’re over the moon about something, and the next, it doesn’t spark that same joy. Or worse, life’s routine has got you so caught up that you don’t even know what makes you happy anymore. But don’t worry! This post is here to change that.

In this blog, we’re going to explore five fun, practical ways to identify what genuinely makes you happy—and more importantly, how to stick with it. Ready to unlock the secrets to a happier, more fulfilled you? Let’s dive in!

1. Take Time for Self-Reflection

Okay, okay, I know “self-reflection” sounds like one of those overly serious words, but stick with me here. The reality is, you can’t figure out what makes you happy if you don’t give yourself time to think about it!

Start by asking yourself these questions:

• What activities make me lose track of time? (You know, those things you get so into that suddenly it’s 2 AM and you didn’t even notice.)
• When do I feel the most like “myself”? (What are you doing during those times when you feel truly at ease and authentic?)
• What are the moments I’ve felt most proud or content? (Reflect on specific events or days that made you think, “Wow, life is good!”)

Now, grab a notebook or a Google doc and start jotting down these thoughts. Often, the things that make us happiest are already woven into our daily lives, but we don’t stop long enough to notice them. The more you reflect on what lights you up, the more you can intentionally make space for it.

Tip: Give yourself regular “check-ins.” Every month or so, ask yourself how you’re feeling about life. Are the things that used to make you happy still working? It’s totally normal for passions to shift as you grow.

2. Try New Things (And Listen to Your Gut)

Sometimes, you don’t know what you like until you try something totally new. Want to know the secret to discovering what makes you happy? Experiment. Seriously, I’m talking about saying “yes” to those random invitations, signing up for a new class, or even just switching up your Saturday routine.

But here’s the key: pay attention to how you feel in the moment. Did you feel energized afterward or completely drained? Were you smiling to yourself without realizing it, or were you checking the time every five minutes? Your body gives you clues all the time about what makes you happy—you just have to listen.

Some ideas for trying something new:

– Take a cooking class (even if you burn toast, you might discover a hidden love for it!)

– Try hiking or kayaking if you’ve never explored nature that way before

– Pick up a new creative hobby like pottery, knitting, or photography

– Go solo to a museum, concert, or café—you might surprise yourself

Tip: Not everything will stick, and that’s totally okay. Don’t force it. The goal is to explore and find what genuinely brings joy, not to check off a list of hobbies just for the sake of it.

Look for patterns. 

3. Pay Attention to Your Energy

You know those moments when you’re buzzing with energy and feel like you could conquer the world? Yeah, that’s a clue. When we’re doing something that makes us happy, it naturally boosts our energy. Conversely, if you’re constantly dragging yourself through something, it’s probably not contributing to your happiness.

The next time you notice yourself feeling uplifted or excited, take a mental note (or better yet, an actual note). What were you doing? Who were you with? These little bursts of energy are like breadcrumbs, leading you closer to your personal happiness formula.

On the flip side, take stock of when your energy tanks:

• What situations are making you feel drained or unfulfilled?
• Are there activities or relationships that consistently leave you feeling blah?

You can’t stick with what makes you happy if you’re weighed down by what doesn’t. Start by recognizing the energy-zappers in your life and gradually distance yourself from them.

4. Surround Yourself with Joyful People

This one is big. You’ve probably heard that you’re the sum of the five people you spend the most time with. Well, guess what? Happiness is contagious! When you surround yourself with people who are excited about life, their energy rubs off on you.

Think about the friends, family members, or mentors who bring out the best in you. Who inspires you to dream bigger or makes you feel genuinely supported and loved? If you’re spending time with people who are constantly negative or bringing you down, it’s going to be harder to stick with what makes you happy.

Here’s how you can surround yourself with joy:

• Join communities or groups that share your passions or hobbies.
• Seek out friendships with people who lift you up, not tear you down.
• Spend more time with loved ones who know how to celebrate the good in life.

Tip: It’s not just about people who make you “happy” in a superficial way, but those who make you feel seen, understood, and inspired.

5. Create a Happiness Routine

This is the big one—sticking with what makes you happy comes down to making it a priority. It’s easy to get swept up in life’s demands and lose track of what brings you joy. So, why not make happiness part of your daily or weekly routine?

Think of it like a self-care ritual. Here’s how you can create a routine to ensure your happiness stays front and center:

• Schedule it in: Yes, put “happiness time” on your calendar. Whether it’s journaling, a solo coffee date, or a creative session, make it non-negotiable.
• Set happiness goals: This might sound silly, but setting small, joyful goals can help you stay on track. For example, make it a goal to try one new hobby per month, or commit to spending one day a week doing something just for fun.
• Celebrate your wins: Every time you consciously do something that makes you happy, celebrate it! Reflect on how it made you feel and take pride in prioritizing your well-being.

Tip: Keep a happiness journal to track your progress. Write down what activities make you feel good, and revisit it when you need a pick-me-up.

Conclusion: Making Happiness a Lifestyle

Finding what makes you happy doesn’t have to be a grand quest—it’s about listening to your heart, trying new things, and making space for joy in your everyday life. By following these five steps, you’ll be well on your way to identifying the things that light you up and learning how to stick with them.

Happiness is a journey, not a destination. So, take it one step at a time, and enjoy the process of getting to know what truly makes you tick!