40 Characteristics of Happy People

Trying to be happier and find more joy in your life? These characteristics of happy people are great character traits that successful, positive people continue to work on as a way of life in the present moment, especially when developing the good characteristics of a person.

What to expect:

What are the traits of a happy person?
What type of person is happiest?
What do the happiest people have in common?

The personality traits that you want to work on are the ones that you believe will make you a better, happier person.

The good news is that it’s possible to develop positive personality traits through self-awareness and self-improvement.

Start by identifying and improving your strengths and then work on reducing (or avoiding) your weaknesses.

As you strive to live a happier life, focus on developing the most common traits of a happy person.

What are the characteristics of happy people?

There are 40 common characteristics of a happy person. All of these traits will help you to have a happy life, and they are all good things to implement as part of a personal growth strategy in your own life.

The top characteristics of happy people:

Optimistic

Optimism is a positive mental attitude or sunny disposition that’s characterized by hope and confidence in the future, as well as a sense of power to achieve your desired goals. A happy person is optimistic because they have hope for the future and they are confident that they can achieve their goals.

Honest

When you are truthful and authentic in your dealings with others, you feel a sense of inner peace and joy. This is because you are living in alignment with your values. When you are being honest, you feel good about yourself and others see you as a trustworthy person. Therefore, it is no surprise that happy people are also honest people.

Creative

A happy person is more likely to be creative because he or she is in a good mood and able to channel new ideas instead of focusing on things that aren’t working. They are also more likely to have an open mind.

Conscientious

A happy person is someone who is at peace with themselves and the world around them. They are not worried about the small things in life, and they are not constantly seeking to change themselves or their situations.

A happy person is conscientious. They know what they want out of life and they work hard to get it. They know that there will be bumps in the road, but they don’t let those bumps stop them from moving forward.

Self-confident

A happy person is self-confident in his or her own skin. They know who they are and what they’re worth, which gives them a sense of purpose and direction. They’re also open to new experiences and take risks.

Happy people are optimistic and see the best in every situation or person they meet, even when it’s not there. They don’t dwell on negativity, instead they find the silver lining in every cloud. Happy people are grateful for what they have, even if it’s not much, because that means there’s more to be grateful for in the future.

Happy people don’t worry about what others think of them because their self-worth is not contingent upon external validation from others.

Moral

Happy people are more likely to be altruistic and are less likely to be aggressive or violent. They will also be more likely to take care of themselves and others, be more sensitive to other’s feelings, and make healthier choices.

Loyal

Happy people are loyal because they feel good about themselves and the company that makes them feel that way. They also tend to have better relationships with their friends and family and they experience less stress (and handle unavoidable stress better) at work.

If you’re ready to work on your existing friendships, sign up to get the free Fabulous Friendship Reflection Journal.

Also, for more tips to have more meaningful friendships, read the following posts:

Courageous

A happy person is someone who has a positive attitude and outlook on life. They are also someone who is courageous and brave, and who doesn’t let their fears hold them back or keep them from pursuing what they want.

Compassionate

A happy person is someone who is compassionate because they have empathy for others, which means that they understand how other people feel and try to make them feel better.

They are kind to others and they want the best for them. Their innate sense of compassion for others leads to a greater sense of purpose in life.

A happy person also has a sense of humor. They laugh at themselves and at the world around them. They don’t take themselves too seriously and they are able to see the funny side of life.

And, if you’re struggling to find compassion (or raise your children to be more compassionate), this article has some great tips: Is Compassion Gone? How to be Compassionate at Any Time

Grateful

A happy person is one who is grateful for what they have. They are open to new experiences and grateful for their past experiences.

Gratitude has a circular effect on your attitude and it can be a powerful tool to help human beings feel happier and more fulfilled.

Grateful people are:

grateful for the little things in life,
grateful for their past hard work and willing to work hard again in the future,
thankful for their friends and family,
willing to take the opportunity to learn from mistakes and grateful to have been given a second chance in life,
ready to make a difference in the lives of others.

To be more grateful and practice gratitude in your life, get A Grateful Heart: 30 Days to Gratitude Journaling and make gratitude journaling a daily practice.

Resilient

Human beings who have a positive outlook on life are more resilient and can deal with challenges that come their way. They don’t let the small and insignificant things bother them.

This resilience can be found in many different people. It doesn’t have to be someone who has had a difficult life and has learned how to cope with it. It can also be someone who is born with the personality trait of being resilient and doesn’t let anything get them down.

Happy, resilient people don’t let setbacks keep them down for long. They pick themselves up and continue moving forward with their lives.

Agreeable

A happy person is agreeable. They are not easily irritated or offended. They are not looking for a fight and will be willing to do anything to avoid one.

A happy person is usually calm and has a good sense of humor. When they are in a bad mood, they will try their best to cheer up and make others feel better as well.

Kind

While there are many traits of a happy person, kindness is one of the most notable.

Kind people are often happy because they have a positive outlook on life and are good at making others feel comfortable and accepted. They are also typically optimistic and see the best in people. This makes them good friends and partners, as well as good employees and co-workers.

Kind people tend to be happier because they are more fulfilled in their lives and relationships.

Self-controlled

A happy person is often self-controlled. They don’t let their emotions control them; instead, they act in a way that makes them happy. This often leads to a more positive outlook on life and less stress.

Adventurous

Being adventurous is one of the traits of happy people. And it is not just any type of adventure, it is a personal adventure.

Adventurous people are always looking for new ways to challenge themselves and do something different. They are not afraid to try new things and experience new things.

By always looking for new opportunities and not letting fear get in the way of achieving their goals, adventurous people can conquer the world (as well as their daily to-do list 😉)!

Persistent

Happy people are persistent. They don’t give up easily and are always looking for ways to improve their lives.

Happy people have positive attitudes and are always looking for the good in life. While they know that things won’t always go their way, they remain hopeful that the best will happen.

Happy people are also determined and never give up on their dreams. They know that it’s not going to be easy, but they are willing to work hard for what they want.

Team-oriented

Happy people are team-oriented. They work well with others and enjoy collaborating toward a common goal. This makes them valuable team members and good leaders. Their positive attitude and can-do spirit are contagious, which encourages others to do their best.

Happy people are also good at handling stress and maintaining a positive outlook, even in difficult situations. This resilience helps them stay focused on the task at hand and maintain a positive attitude even when things don’t go as planned.

Generous

Happy people are typically more generous than those who are unhappy. In fact, one of the main traits of a happy person is that they are kind and giving to others. Some experts believe that this is because happy people generally have a more positive outlook on life, and they are less likely to worry about themselves. Instead, they are more inclined to focus on the needs of others.

Being generous can come in many forms. It can mean donating time or money to a good cause, or simply being kind and friendly to others.

Happy people often find joy in making others happy, and they derive satisfaction from helping others. This is one of the reasons why they tend to be popular among their friends and colleagues.

There are several characteristics of happy people that lead them to be more giving.

Happy people are more likely to volunteer their time and help others. They feel a sense of responsibility to give back or pay it forward. They also have a sense of gratitude and feel lucky for the things they have in their life. This leads them to want to share what they have with others who are less fortunate.

People who are happy are more likely to be generous. They don’t just give because they want something in return. They give because they feel good about themselves and their contribution to society.

Happy people are also more likely to volunteer their time and resources for a cause they believe in, even if it doesn’t benefit them directly.

Humorous

Happy people often use humor to add to their positive outlook on life. They may not always be the funniest person in the room, but they will always be try to see the humor in every situation and they will strive to make other people laugh.

Humor can be a coping mechanism for stressful situations, and it leads to a number of benefits for people who use it as a coping mechanism. It can help with mental health problems such as depression and anxiety, and it can even lead to better physical health outcomes, such as lower blood pressure and stress levels.

Motivated

Happy people are typically motivated and optimistic. They have a positive outlook on life and are determined to find the good in every situation.

Happy people are usually emotionally stable, which allows them to manage stress and frustration in a healthy way. Additionally, they are able to maintain healthy relationships and have a strong support system. Finally, happy people tend to be social and enjoy spending time with others.

Polite

Happy people are polite and use good manners because they recognize the value in being kind and respectful to others. They were often taught to say please and thank you, but they have also learned how to behave appropriately in social situations.

Competent

A happy person is a competent person because they have the ability to take control of their life and make the best out of it.

Competent people are not afraid to take risks, and they typically have high self-esteem.

Reliable

A happy person is someone who is content with what they have and appreciates the little things in life. They are also more likely to be reliable, as they are not looking for something new all the time.

A happy person has a lot of traits that make them more reliable. They are content with what they have and appreciate the little things in life, which makes them less likely to be discontent or unhappy about their current situation.

A happy person is also more self-aware, meaning that they will be able to identify when they are feeling down or unhappy and can work on fixing it themselves instead of relying on others to do it for them.

Loving

Happy people are often more loving and compassionate than those who are not as content with their lives. They typically have a more positive outlook on life and are less likely to let anger or frustration get the best of them.

People who are happy generally have better relationships because they are able to be more present and enjoy the moment. They also tend to forgive easier, be less judgmental, and embody the characteristics of an understanding person.

characteristics of an understanding person

Authentic

An authentic person is someone who has the courage to be themselves. They are not afraid of what others think of them, and they are not afraid to follow their dreams no matter how difficult it gets, which allows them to be happier as they pursue their dream life.

Authentic people don’t believe in the idea that life is all about work and money, and they know that there is more to life than just these two things.

A happy person knows that their life isn’t perfect, but they don’t let this get them down as they continue to strive to be more authentic.

Fair

Happy people are often considered to be more fair in their dealings with others. Researchers at the University of California at Berkeley conducted a study on the personality traits of happy people, and found that they are typically more agreeable and less aggressive than those who are not as happy. This may be because happy people have a more positive outlook on life, and are therefore less likely to feel the need to take things out on others.

In addition, happy people are often considered to be more reliable and forgiving than those who are not as happy. They also tend to have better relationships with others, due in part to their tendency to be more cooperative and less argumentative.

Humble

A happy person is someone who is humble. They are self-aware, grateful, and have a sense of humor. While they don’t need to be the best at everything, they know their strengths and they are happy with themselves. They know that it’s okay to not be perfect and they don’t mind being wrong sometimes.

Humble people also put others before themselves and always try to help without expecting anything in return.

Energetic

Happy people have a lot of energy and are always on the go looking for new adventures and new challenges to take on. This is one of the main reasons why they are so fulfilled – because they are constantly doing things that make them happy.

Another trait of happy people is that they are very positive and optimistic. No matter what life throws their way, they always manage to see the bright side of things. This helps them stay positive and upbeat, even when things are tough.

Lastly, happy people tend to be very social and enjoy spending time with their friends and family. They love having a good time and laughing until their stomachs hurt. This sense of joy and happiness is contagious, which is why so many people want to be around them.

Curious

Happy people are curious and they enjoy learning new things. They are always looking for ways to improve themselves and their lives.

Happy people have a positive outlook on life and they are always optimistic. They are also very social and enjoy being around other people. Lastly, happy people are resilient and they don’t let setbacks keep them down for long.

Present

A happy person is someone who is content with their life, has positive thoughts and feelings, and has the ability to understand themselves in the current moment.

What makes a person happy? There are a lot of theories about what leads to happiness. One theory is that happiness comes from within. Some people believe that happiness comes from being in control of one’s life while others believe that it comes from having things one cares about in life.

However, by being present and living in the moment, you can appreciate your current life.

Industrious

Happy people are industrious. They have a lot of energy and they use it to get things done. They are always on the go and never stop striving for solutions.

Mindful

Happy people are mindful of the present moment. They savor the good moments and don’t dwell on the bad. They know that life is full of ups and downs, and they accept this fact. Happy people don’t let negative emotions take over their lives. Instead, they find ways to cope with their problems in a healthy way.

Happy people are also resilient. When something bad happens, they don’t let it bring them down. They pick themselves up and move on. They know that everything happens for a reason, and they don’t wallow in self-pity.

Finally, happy people have a positive outlook on life. They see the glass as half full, not half empty. They believe that the best is yet to come, and they are always looking for the silver lining in every situation.

Sincere

A happy person is often characterized by their sincerity. They are more genuine and authentic with themselves and others. They are not afraid to show their emotions. In general, they are more optimistic and have a better understanding of the world around them.

Levelheaded

Happy people have a more even temperament. They are less reactive and get upset less easily. This is because they have a positive outlook on life and don’t dwell on the negative. They also have better coping skills and can deal with stress in a healthier way. As a result, they are less likely to experience anxiety or depression.

Another trait of happy people is that they are more grounded and realistic. They know their strengths and weaknesses, and they aren’t as easily influenced by others. They also don’t make assumptions about things, which can lead to misunderstandings. As a result, they tend to have better relationships.

Lastly, happy people are more open-minded and accepting. They don’t try to control everything, and they are willing to give new things a try.

Trusting

The happiest people are trusting, optimistic, and grateful. They are confident and have a sense of purpose in their lives. They also have a strong, supportive social network.

Creative

Happy people are often more creative because they see the world in a more positive light. They have a greater sense of possibility and opportunity, which leads to new and innovative ideas. Additionally, happy people tend to be more satisfied with their lives, which allows them to be more focused and productive. Finally, happiness provides individuals with a sense of emotional security, which can give them the confidence to take risks and experiment with new ideas.

Empathetic

The happier people are, the more empathetic they are. A happy person is more likely to have a positive outlook on life and be able to see the good in others.

They also have higher self-esteem and less anxiety than unhappy people.

Happiness is defined by what you think about your life, not by how much money you make or how much time you spend with your friends.

Respectful

Happy people are respectful. They have a strong sense of empathy and can easily put themselves in someone else’s shoes. This allows them to be more understanding and less judgmental of others.

Happy people also have a positive outlook on life, which makes them more accommodating and pleasant to be around.

Forgiving

A happy person is someone who has an overall positive outlook on life and is able to forgive others for their mistakes. This characteristic makes them more understanding and compassionate when dealing with other people’s problems. They are also more likely to forgive themselves for their own mistakes, which means they can move forward in life instead of dwelling on the past.

Happy people are more likely to forgive others for their wrongdoings because they believe that everyone deserves a second chance. They are also more likely to see the good in other people, which is why they’re less likely to take offense.

Encouraging

Happy people are usually upbeat and positive, seeing the good in every situation. They know how to find the silver lining in every cloud and remain hopeful even when things seem bleak.

Happy people also tend to be encouraging, always looking for ways to build up those around them. They have a knack for making others feel good about themselves, and they radiate warmth and happiness.

These qualities make happy people a joy to be around, and their positive attitude is contagious.

What type of person is happiest?

The happiest people in the world are those who live a simple life. They are content with the little things in their lives and don’t need anything else.

According to Susie Moore, author of Let It Be Easy, “human beings become used to each standard of living and want more. Psychologists call this hedonic adaptation. Basically, that’s a fancy way of saying that we get used to our life changes very quickly.”

The person who creates a simple, easy life is the happiest.

Enjoy the simplicity of your life now. Take time to appreciate the things that you have without overcomplicating your needs.

What do the happiest people have in common?

The happiest people tend to have one thing in common – they’re able to see the silver linings in all the small things in their daily life. As long as their basic needs are met, they’re able to focus on positive thinking, including turning negative emotions into positive emotions and personal development.

How to find true happiness and start living happier lives

Your belief system is the first place you should start when learning about positive psychology and trying to overcome negative things in your life.

Focusing on your mindset and spending time working on your mental health, emotional health, and learning creative ways to find inner peace is the most effective way to improve your own happiness and begin having the characteristics of happy people.

Being happy is a state of mind that is achievable by anyone. It is characterized by having positive emotions, such as joy, contentment, and love.

There are many different traits that are common among the happiest people, but some of the most important ones are gratitude, self-awareness, and a strong support system.

Anyone can be happy if they focus on the good things in their life and strive to maintain a positive attitude.

While happiness is a subjective term and has a different meaning for each person, gratitude can help you sustain and amplify your happiness. It can help you create a feeling of peace, even amidst a chaotic life.

Some people are happy with what they have and some people want more to be happy. But happiness is not about how much money you make, how many friends you have, or how successful you are in your career. It’s about feeling content with what you have.

There are many traits that make a person happy, but the most important ones are:

having control over their lives (including taking control over their physical health concerns, overcoming financial insecurity,
having strong relationships
living in the present moment while being optimistic and having hope for the future
being grateful for everything in their lives now.