Happiest People
October 12, 2025•395 words
Happiest people
94% Denmark, Iceland, Sweden, Australia, Netherlands.
50% Genetics
40% Lifestyle
10% Circumstances
The world’s happiest countries, 2022 edition
Finland
Denmark
Iceland
Switzerland
Netherlands
Luxembourg
Sweden
Norway
Israel
New Zealand
Austria
Australia
Ireland
Germany
Canada
United States
United Kingdom
Czechia (Czech Republic)
Belgium
France
They enjoy the moment
It turns out that taking the time to “smell the roses” truly does enhance happiness in life. When you enjoy the small moments- good or bad- you’re more aware of what’s happening around you.
The happiest people focus on what they can control and it’s possible to choose happiness in the moment, no matter the struggles you may be going through.
- They have a growth mindset
In the book Mindset, Carol Dweck explains that the most successful and happy people have what she calls a “growth mindset” compared to a “fixed mindset.” A fixed mindset seeks success as affirmation of intelligence or worth; a growth mindset thrives on challenge and sees failure not as evidence of unintelligence or unworthiness but as a catalyst for growth and stretching beyond existing abilities.
They schedule “me” time into their day
Saying “yes” to everything puts you on the fast track to being miserable.
Giving is important, but if that means taking up “your” time to relax, wind down, and learn new things, then you’ll have nothing to give over time.
You can’t always be agreeable; that’s how people take advantage of you. You have to set clear boundaries.
- They spend money on experiences- not material things
That car that you just bought diminished in value the moment you drove it off the lot, but experiences are memories that will stay with you for the rest of your life.
The happiest people would rather go on a backpacking trip around Asia instead of buying a flat-screen TV that they’ll seldom use.
They are always learning
Despite his ASL, Stephen Hawking has made prominent scientific discoveries. What is more, he has found the words to tell the world about his findings.
Like Hawking, the happiest people all have one thing in common. They are lifelong learners, constantly reading new books, exploring other cultures, learning new languages, etc. It is an ongoing process because without growth there’s no life.