“I always feel happy. You know why? Because I don’t expect anything from anyone. Expectations always hurt.”

Shakespeare

What a great quote! Living it means so much when it comes to happiness—but let me clarify. I realize that at work you expect co-workers to play their role in getting the job done. Similarly, at home you expect your family to do their share of housework. The key word that makes Shakespeare’s quote so powerful is the word happy. When you let the outcomes of others determine your disposition, then you’re putting the responsibility for your happiness in someone else’s hands. For example, if I “expect” my daughter to attend an event and she doesn’t show up—that’s a shame, but it shouldn’t dictate how I feel inside.

The same is true when it comes to expecting others to agree with you or expecting others to do something just because it’s what you’re doing. How many times have you heard people lament over opinions that didn’t match their own? Or, how often has someone become upset because you didn’t sign up for the same seminar he/she did? Attention readers! In the scheme of life—all of these incidents comprise the “small stuff.” In other words, when you hear contrary information—listen to it, process it, and move on.

Finally, let me put this out there: The only way to be happy is to decide you’re going to be happy. Sounds absurdly simple—right? That’s because it is. Choosing happiness is as easy as flipping a switch. Make the decision and don’t let anything get in the way. You Can Do It!