7 Habits of the Happiest People (That Most of Us Rarely Practice)

There is no better time than now to be thinking about making wise choices to ensure your own happiness.  

What science continues to affirm is that doing and thinking positive things throughout your work week are not only good for your health and well-being, they are especially good for business.

Here are seven habits of the happiest people — all solidly grounded in research. 

1. They choose kindness.

While most bosses don’t see the upside of kindness making any business impact, the evidence proves otherwise.  ​Research by Jonathan Haidt at New York University suggests that when a co-worker watches other co-workers help each other, it heightens a sense of well-being in that person. This is something Haidt calls “elevation.” And when we feel elevated by seeing an act of kindness, we are more likely to behave with kindness. In turn, kindness begets kindness and improves collaboration and productivity across teams.

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6. They exercise patience.

In one 2012 study, researchers found that people exhibiting the rare trait of patience made more progress toward their goals and were more satisfied when they achieved them (particularly if those goals were difficult) compared with less patient people. Other research also found that patient people tend to experience less depression and negative emotions and can cope better with stressful situations. Additionally, they feel more gratitude, more connection to others, and experience a greater sense of abundance.

Read the whole story (subscription may be required): Inc.