Many people gauge their quality of life based on their overall happiness. Strangely, few take active steps to enhance their happiness. In reality, many individuals invest significant time in activities that bring them unhappiness, such as enduring miserable jobs where they mindlessly perform tasks. To address this, you can start by identifying the sources of happiness and unhappiness in your life and take action to bring about positive changes.

Begin by asking yourself which 20 percent of your life contributes to 80 percent of your happiness and vice versa. Once you pinpoint the aspects of your life that yield minimal happiness, it’s time to make changes. For instance, if your job is a source of unhappiness, explore ways to alter your situation. Consider alternative jobs, redefine your current role, or reduce your working hours. Don’t resign yourself to a lifelong unhappy job.

By reducing time spent on activities that make you unhappy, you’ll free up more time and energy for those that bring happiness. For example, if you decide to spend less time at work, you’ll have more quality time with your family and friends. Simply identify the 20 percent of activities that generate 80 percent of your happiness, and strive to allocate more time to them. This approach can lead to a happier and more fulfilling life.