6 Phrases That, If Used Often, Prove You’re Happier Than Most, Says Happiness Experts

Finding Happiness

We often believe that happiness is something that's innate. You can't get 'better' at being happy, and though you can surround yourself with things that make you happy, you're not always able to force that feeling.

The people at the Institute For Global Happiness are working to change that, helping promote habits and beliefs that increase overall happiness. One of their happiness experts wrote a piece for CNBC sharing these six phrases that, if you use them often, prove you're happier than most.

"Tell me more…"

When someone presents us with a problem, either through casual complaining or serious venting, we often have the impulse to try to fix it. We don't want to see our loved ones upset after all, so how can we help? What advice can we give?

Often, the best answer is not to try to fix it at all. We don't always need to offer a solution, as what they need more from us is just a listening ear. This is why 'tell me more' works, as it lets our loved ones vent while knowing that we hear them and want to hear more, which is usually all they need to feel better.

"I get to..."

This phrase is about shifting your mindset when it comes to tasks you don't like. Instead of always saying you have to do something, try saying you get to do it instead. This isn't always a one-to-one; no one wants to say they get to mop the floors, but with enough restructuring, it can really help.

Because it's not really about mopping, it's about living somewhere clean and comfortable, right? So instead of saying you have to do anything, think about the positives, the silver linings to your task. You don't have to do your workout, you get to build a stronger, healthier body!

"… yet.”

'Yet' is less of a phrase on its own and more of an add-on that's meant to encourage you when you get low. When you get stuck in loops of 'I don't' or 'I can't,' you simply add on a 'yet' to the end.

It's a reminder that who you are today is never who you'll be forever, and that's a magical thing! You can always grow and change. Anything you believe you can't do today, you could absolutely do in the future; you just have to start working on it.

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"Will this matter a year from now?"

This one is pretty straightforward but still extremely important. Think of all the problems you currently have, no matter how big or small, then ask yourself this very question for each and every one of them.

The nice thing about this one is that no matter your answer, it can help! If the answer is no, then you know it's something that'll pass. If the answer is yes, then you know what troubles to prioritize, so you can sort them sooner for later peace of mind.

"I will focus on…"

This ties into the latter part of that last entry, as choosing to focus on something can be very powerful. We're surrounded by distractions, especially in such a digital world, so vocalizing and committing to focus on one thing and shut yourself out from all the pinging, notifications, and buzzing all around us.

It's often easier said than done, but there are plenty of techniques available for all types of people to help improve focus. It's one of the best skills you can develop, so any work you can put into now, do it.

"What was your rose?"

This refers to the mindfulness technique 'rose, thorn, bud,' where you go through all three sections and think about what parts of your life or situation apply to them. Rose represents your victories or happiness, thorn is your pain or stress, and bud is your opportunities for growth or your ideas.

By asking yourself or others what their rose is (or any similar phrase), you promote focusing on the good things, remembering all the good things that are happening even when times are tough. Your rose doesn't need to be big; even little moments of joy count!

Inviting It In

Being happy, as amazing and wonderful as it is, isn't always easy. We all face stress, sorrow, grief, anger, and other emotions that drag us down. It can be hard to feel happy when we have those things weighing down on us.

That's why, as strange as it seems, happiness truly is a choice sometimes. We have to work for it, push ourselves toward it, and embrace it in any way we can, no matter how small or momentary. Find your paths to happiness and hold them tight.