We write a lot about “Success” here at Wealth, Wisdom and Success.  But success isn’t “the key to happiness”. Can one be truly successful without a good  healthy dose of happiness? I don’t think so.  I believe that compassionate living, living life with compassion and making a difference in the world  by living ones unique mission, is a primary key to happiness.

People have long believed in karma.  They have believed that what you put out into the world will be returned to you. I certainly believe that there is quite a bit of truth to the karma bit.  Even before I had known the word “karma” I tried to follow some of the best advice regarding happiness: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”  Spread happiness and happiness will return to you. Not only does helping others make others feel good, but it is a fantastic strategy for ensuring your long-term happiness.

There are many benefits to living compassionately. Helping others create happiness, creates happiness for both for you, and the recipient.

Here’s how putting others first can contribute to your overall happiness…

Image Courtesy of h.koppdelaney

You’ll be able to develop closer relationships with others.

Naturally, showing more consideration for others will improve your relationships. People are more likely to reciprocate kindness if you are kind. It even helps in dealing with the grumpy ones because you’ll be able to accept temporary disappointments more easily because your relationships will be grounded in a sincere regard for their welfare.

You’ll Reduce Your Stress Levels

When one tries to control others it”s exhausting. After all, it’s often frustrating because so many external things are beyond our control. Placing less importance on your own immediate gratification, while focusing on the welfare of others, will help you feel happier no matter what occurs.

You’ll Encourage a More Compassionate Community 

By setting a good example, you may encourage others to look beyond their own needs and to look out more for the welfare of others. Your positive conduct can have a powerful impact on those around you.

You’ll Help Protect Yourself from Depression.

Recent studies show a disturbing rise in narcissism and a corresponding increased risk of depression. Putting others first is good for your emotional health. Healthy relationships and virtuous living are likely to make you far more content than depending on others for attention and trying to accumulate material possessions.

You’ll Develop More empathy And More Easily Understand the Needs of Others

As the world’s population is approaches 7 billion, and as technology allows those traditional borders to shrink empathy is more vital in the world. When you understand how we share more similarities than differences, it’s easy to understand the needs of others.

Everyday Tasks Will Become More Meaningful

Even those everyday, mundane tasks can feel rewarding if you understand how they benefit others. For example, simply thinking about how recycling those cans you used for dinner helps to protect the planet for future generations.

How Does One Start to Live With More Compassion? By Putting Others First in Your Daily Life.

Here’s Six Compassionate Living Strategies You Can Implement Right Now to Create More Happiness

Begin by Transforming Your Commute.

Use your daily commute to demonstrate your compassion by thinking about the needs and desires of others. See how it feels when you stop rushing to get the last seat on the train and focus instead on smiling at your fellow passengers. Be patient with other drivers they are only trying to get to their destination, just like you are.

Teach Your Children How to Live With More Compassion.

Your children learn by your example. Help them to get off to a healthy start on the road to happiness by talking with them about living compassionately. Teach them how taking the time to chat with elderly neighbors or volunteer at your church is a key to achieving long term happiness.

Practice Developing More Compassion At Work.  

Look for opportunities to help others with their workload. Look for, and take advantage of the opportunities to praise co-workers, your employees, or sub-contractors for their accomplishments and share the credit for group efforts.

Slow Down and Choose to Shop With Compassion.

Take a different approach to shopping. Try to leave the people you come in contact with during your shopping trip in a better place because your paths crossed.  Make shopping more fun by creating a game out of making a difference.

Participate in  Leisure Activities and Hobbies that Make A Difference.

Devote your leisure time to activities that help you to enrich the lives of other people. You may want to do formal volunteer work for a cause you believe in. Even eating out can qualify if you keep the focus on helping others to enjoy themselves and leave a generous tip for the servers. Or try this one: Pick-up the bill for a table near you anonymously.  Someone did that for us a few years ago and we still talk about it.  It created such happiness for us that day, and still does years later as we pause to think about the generosity of a stranger.

Use the TV, and other Media Strategically.

You can still enjoy TV and other common pleasures. Just make them more productive by selecting those shows that uplift, and my viewing the characters with compassion. Analyze how the characters actions demonstrate selflessness and how that results in improving their circumstances. An episode of Extreme Makeover Home Edition or Undercover Millionaire inspires me to live with more compassion and determine how I can make a bigger difference in the world.

Thinking of others first through compassionate living will make your life happier – guaranteed.

• Spend time thinking about why it’s beneficial to consider the welfare of others and how you can make a bigger difference.
• Take advantage of the opportunities to practice this strategy in your daily life.