Life can feel like a never-ending Monday sometimes. You wake up, chug coffee that tastes like regret, and somehow, your coworker Steve is already in your face, grinning like he just won the lottery. Meanwhile, you’re over here wondering if it’s too early to start counting down to happy hour. What’s Steve’s secret? Is he on some kind of happiness drug? Did he sell his soul to a caffeine-fueled demon? Nope. Steve’s just got some good habits, and you can too. Check out these 8 habits of happy men and start living your best life this year.
Science says happy people live longer, make more money, and probably have better hair (okay, I made that last one up). But here’s the kicker: happiness isn’t just luck. It’s a skill. And like any skill, you can get better at it. So, let’s ditch the grumpy guy routine and talk about eight habits of happy men that’ll make 2025 your best year yet.
Table of Contents
1. Keep a Schedule (But Leave Room for Chaos)
Let’s start with the basics. Happy guys aren’t flying by the seat of their pants. They’ve got a schedule. But before you roll your eyes and say, “I’m not a robot,” hear me out. A schedule doesn’t mean you’re planning every second of your day like some kind of productivity ninja. It just means you’re giving your life some structure so you’re not constantly stressed about what you forgot to do.
Dr. Sherrie Campbell, a psychologist, says a schedule helps you manage stress and leaves room for spontaneity. Translation: get your crap done early so you can actually enjoy your free time. For example, I used to be the guy who waited until Sunday night to do laundry. Spoiler alert: it sucked. Now, I knock it out on Friday after work. That way, my weekends are free for important things like napping and eating nachos.
2. Set SMART Goals (Not Dumb Ones)
Here’s the deal: vague goals are for amateurs. Saying, “I want to lose weight” is about as useful as saying, “I want to be a millionaire.” Cool story, bro. But how? Happy guys set SMART goals, Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound. For example, instead of saying, “I want to get in shape,” try, “I’m going to walk 30 minutes a day, five days a week.”
I learned this the hard way. A few years ago, I decided I wanted to run a marathon. My goal was, “Run more.” Spoiler: I didn’t run a marathon. I barely ran to the fridge. But when I set smaller, realistic goals, like running a 5K, I actually stuck with it. And guess what? It felt amazing.
3. Give Regularly (Yes, Even Your Time)
Here’s a truth bomb: giving feels good. And no, I’m not just talking about throwing money at a charity (though that’s cool too). I’m talking about giving your time, energy, or even just a listening ear. Caleb Backe, a life coach, says giving activates the same part of your brain that lights up when you receive something. It’s like a happiness feedback loop.
A few months ago, I started volunteering at a local food bank. At first, I was like, “Ugh, do I have to?” But after a few hours, I was hooked. Seeing the impact of my time made me feel like a superhero, minus the cape and spandex. Plus, it’s a great way to meet people who aren’t just complaining about their fantasy football team.
4. Learn to Say “No” (Without Feeling Like a Jerk)
Repeat after me: “No” is a complete sentence. Happy guys get this. They know that saying yes to everything is a one-way ticket to burnout city. Shelley Meche’tte, a life coach, says setting boundaries is key to avoiding resentment. And let’s be honest, no one wants to be the guy who’s always grumbling about how busy he is.
I used to be the “yes” guy. Need someone to cover your shift? Sure. Want me to help you move? Why not? Can I babysit your demonic cat? Absolutely. But after a while, I realized I was saying yes to everyone else and no to myself. Now, I’m selective. And guess what? People still like me. Shocking, right?
5. Be Flexible (Like a Yoga Instructor, Not a Doormat)
Life doesn’t always go according to plan. Your boss might dump a last-minute project on you. or Your car might break down. Your fantasy football team might lose to your 12-year-old nephew. Happy guys know how to roll with the punches. Caleb Backe says flexibility reduces stress and opens you up to new opportunities.
A few years ago, I planned this epic road trip with my buddies. We had it all mapped out: scenic routes, cool stops, the works. Then, halfway through, our car broke down. Instead of freaking out, we turned it into an adventure. We hitchhiked (don’t tell my mom), met some interesting characters, and ended up having the best time. Moral of the story? Sometimes, the detours are the best part.
6. Travel Often (Even if It’s Just a Staycation)
Here’s a hot take: you don’t need to be rich to travel. Happy guys make time to explore, even if it’s just a weekend getaway. Dr. Sherrie Campbell says we’re not going to be on our deathbeds wishing we’d worked more. Preach, doc.
Last year, I took a “staycation” in my own city. I visited museums, tried new restaurants, and even stayed in a fancy hotel for a night. It felt like a mini-vacation, and I didn’t have to deal with airport security. Win-win.
7. Spend Time With Family and Friends (Yes, Even Your Weird Uncle)
Here’s the thing: work will always be there. But the people you love? They won’t. Happy guys prioritize relationships. Shelley Meche’tte says family and friends are the ultimate source of happiness. And she’s not wrong.
I used to be the guy who skipped family gatherings because I was “too busy.” Then, my grandpa passed away, and I realized how much I’d missed. Now, I make it a point to show up, even if it means enduring my uncle’s conspiracy theories about Bigfoot.
8. Talk Nicely to Yourself (Because You’re Stuck With You)
Let’s get real: we’re all our own worst critics. But happy guys know how to shut down that negative inner voice. Benson Simmonds, an energy healer, says positive self-talk is a game-changer. Start by asking yourself, “What do I love about me?” (And no, “my ability to eat an entire pizza” doesn’t count.)
I used to beat myself up over every little mistake. Then, I started practicing positive self-talk. Now, when I mess up, I say, “Hey, you’re human. It happens.” And you know what? It works. I’m happier, more confident, and way less likely to cry into my beer.
Final Thoughts: Happiness Is a Habit
Look, there’s no magic pill for happiness. But these eight habits can get you pretty damn close. Start small, stay consistent, and remember: even Steve has bad days. The difference is, he’s got the tools to bounce back. And now, so do you.
So, what are you waiting for? Ditch the grumpiness, embrace the chaos, and start living your best life. Because the new year is here, and it’s going to be epic.
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