The 30-Day No-Fail Happiness Challenge

Photographer:  Maria Del RioRestrictions:  For Edit and Internal use only
POPSUGAR Photography | Maria del Rio
POPSUGAR Photography | Maria del Rio

Ask anyone what their ultimate goal in life is, and no matter what their answer is — be it a job, a relationship, or something else — it all boils down to one basic want: happiness. However, most of us are doing happiness all wrong. It's not really anything on the outside that'll make us happy; it's all internal.

Harvard-trained happiness researcher Shawn Achor sat down with Oprah Winfrey and shared some tips that he believes will effectively turn anyone into a positive person. Based on his advice, we created a 30-day challenge that we're confident will take you from zero to happy in just a month. You'll notice that this challenge isn't like others in that you'll be doing the same thing for more than 21 days. We wanted you to practice these habits for more than 21 days because that's the amount of time it takes to start a habit. We're hoping that you'll keep this going, perhaps in a modified form, for the rest of your happy life.

Even if it's not the start of the month, you can always get started today and just follow our plan for the next 30 days. Don't let any excuses come in between you and your happy place!

30-Day Happiness Challenge

Day 1: Name three new things you are grateful for when you wake up. Continue for 29 more days.

Day 2: Write down one meaningful thing that happened to you in the last 24 hours. Continue for 28 more days.

Day 3: Reach out to someone you know and praise them. Continue for 27 more days.

Day 4: Start doing cardio for at least 15 minutes a day. Keep doing this for 26 more days.

Day 5: Start meditating for at least five minutes a day. Continue for 25 more days.

Day 30: You made it! We hope you will keep these habits going beyond the challenge!

POPSUGAR Photography | Maria del Rio