Most of us believe that how we feel is a direct result of our circumstances. The truth is, how you feel depends on how you think about your circumstances.

People who feel good have tough circumstances just like you and me.  But they've mastered a few habits that allow them to think differently and so, feel better about their lives. They react to problems and crisis differently and they manage their day to day challenges while feeling good about life. They may have learned to do this through their parents, teachers, mentors, friends or their own life experience. But, those are the lucky few.

Most of us struggle to find ways to feel good. Some, resort to shopping or travel or friendships or hobbies. Others throw themselves into a career or a worthy cause or a long-term relationship. And all these things are great when they work. But it's not those things that make us feel good. It’s how we perceive them.

How you think, that determines how you feel.

Wouldn’t it make sense to cut through the chase and learn how to feel good without being dependent on circumstances?

It’s ironic when you think about it. We spend years in school learning all sorts of stuff, in the hope that as adults, we’ll have a happy and productive life. Yet, very few schools (or colleges for that matter) actually teach the skills we need to feel good.

That means some people end up mastering those skills while others struggle.