The Simple Key to Happier Feelings

Money? Nope. Fame? Nah. Good looks? Nuh-uh. None of these things paves the road to happiness. What does? Science says you'll have to look inside.

Turns out that personal growth is one of the keys to glad feelings, researchers have determined. So focus on self-improvement daily, whether it's taking better care of your health, doing things that give you confidence, or journaling to understand yourself better.

Joyful Goal Getting
Yep, we all have a fundamental psychological need to make our own choices, feel a sense of accomplishment, and connect deeply with others. Which is why personal development is ground zero for good vibrations. And a recent study of newly graduated college students helped prove it. Those who spent their first 2 years out of school pursuing materialistic goals (think wealth, looks, and fame) were far less happy than students who achieved more intrinsic personal goals, like getting involved in their communities, nurturing close friendships, and working on inner growth. Check out this article to see how blue moods affect your health.

Inner Happiness Reigns
In fact, the materialistic students' goals actually contributed slightly to their unhappiness. So don't go there! Instead, formulate your own personal development goals, and use these tips to help you achieve them:

• Believe. Yes, you can do it! In fact, the college student study confirmed that the more committed someone is to attaining a goal, the more likely he or she will succeed. Use this tool to boost your goal-getting motivation.
• Love. Your life, that is. It's a gift! Here are five steps to help you get back that loving feeling.
• Laugh. With others. Here's what it can do for your health.

Did you know? You can turn a bad mood around in just 30 minutes with this trick.