Self-development guru Jim Rohn says “you are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” If he’s right, it’s wise to make friends with people who embody qualities you want to share. To truly be  happy, make sure the people you see most often personify these traits.

Optimism

Happy people are positive. They have a glass half-full mindset and look for reasons to appreciate life. Note whether the people you often hang around with have a sunny disposition. Are they optimistic? Or do they look at events through a negative lens?

Drive

People who are happy are ambitious, but their drive need not stem from the wish to reach the top of their chosen profession, although it might. Sometimes joyful folks are driven to change the world, expand self-awareness, or fight for a cause. 

Are your friends ambitious? Do they give energy to projects that mean a great deal to them? Or are they lethargic and dispirited?

Passion

Happy people’s drive is matched by their enthusiasm for life. They don’t just like flowers, sunshine, and other enjoyable aspects of life, they love them. Their zeal shines through their smiles to influence everyone in their company.

Do your friends display great enthusiasm for people, ideas, and events? If so, they are passionate and their zest is likely to boost your energy level and positivity. If they lack passion, though, perhaps you do too.

Thankfulness

You’ve never met a happy person who isn’t also grateful. Happy people appreciate each little blessing in their lives. They see every opportunity to laugh, learn, and love as a gift.

Are the individuals you spend the most time with appreciative? Or do they fail to show gratitude when people are kind to them and events are auspicious?

Authenticity

Authentic people are happy to be themselves. Unlike inauthentic people they don’t have a false persona: they are who they seem to be. They are also genuine in their dealings with others and don’t leave people to guess what they really think.

Do your friends work hard to project a fabricated image? If so, the chances are they aren’t happy. Ensure you don’t spend too long in their company or you might imagine adopting a made-up persona is a good idea as well.

Easy-going nature

Happy people are laid back rather than on edge. They take setbacks in their stride and don’t make small challenges into drama. Their open-mindedness means they welcome fresh opportunities to grow and regularly stretch their boundaries.

Are your friends uptight, drama kings and queens who fear change? Such traits aren’t good ingredients for happiness. Seek easy-going friends, who adapt to circumstances and shake off stress with ease, and you may share their flexible nature.

Trustworthiness

Trustworthy friends are reliable confidants. Their honesty makes them humble and thoughtful, and others admire their loyalty and unassuming nature. They attract people who are respectful and dependable.

Can you rely on your friends to keep a secret? Do they show up on time when you’ve arranged to see them? Are they there for you when you most need them at your side? If the answer is “no”, it is time to move on and find a new circle of friends.

Final Words

If you want to be happy, surround yourself with happy people. Their joyful zest for life will rub off on you and increase your propensity to be like them. If your current friends aren’t good matches for the traits mentioned, perhaps it’s time to widen your social circle.

Reference: Goodreads.com (Rohn quote)