For a long time, I thought I was truly living. I followed the routine: work hard, meet expectations, check all the boxes. But deep down, something felt… off.
My days blurred together, and despite doing everything I was “supposed” to, life felt hollow, like I was just going through the motions.
Then I met someone who changed everything.
They seemed to radiate a quiet joy, an energy that came from genuinely living their life, not just existing in it. Their days weren’t perfect, but they were intentional, meaningful, and full of small moments that made life feel vibrant.
It made me reflect: What separates those who thrive from those who merely survive?
Psychology suggests it comes down to certain behaviors—practices that foster purpose, presence, and connection.
In this article, we’ll explore the 7 key behaviors that people who truly live embody every day.
Are you ready to break free from the mundane and start feeling alive again?
1) They embrace authenticity
As a psychology enthusiast, I’ve learned that those who truly live and not merely exist, embrace their true selves without apology. They don’t hide behind facades or pretend to be someone they’re not.
It’s a liberating feeling, to be honest with yourself and others about who you are. It eliminates the need for approval and allows you to live life on your terms.
But how do you embrace authenticity?
Start by acknowledging your strengths and weaknesses. Accept them as they are without judgment.
Next, express your thoughts and feelings honestly. Don’t suppress your emotions or conform to societal expectations.
When you start living authentically, you’ll notice a significant shift in your life. You’ll feel more connected to yourself and others, and life will feel more meaningful.
2) They practice gratitude
I remember a time when I would go through my days focusing on what was missing in my life.
It was a cycle of dissatisfaction, always looking at what I didn’t have rather than appreciating what I did have.
Then, I started practicing gratitude.
Each day, I would write down three things that I was grateful for. Some days it was as simple as a hot cup of coffee, other days it was a meaningful conversation with a friend.
This simple act shifted my perspective. Instead of focusing on lack, I began to see abundance everywhere.
And it’s not just me. Psychologists have studied the effects of practicing gratitude extensively and found that it leads to increased happiness and reduced depression.
Incorporating gratitude into your daily routine can be transformative. It’s a simple yet powerful way to shift your focus from what’s wrong in your life to what’s right, helping you to truly live rather than merely exist.
3) They pursue their passions
People who truly live are often those who pursue their passions. They don’t just dream about doing what they love, they actually do it.
I’ve always had a passion for psychology and understanding human behavior. However, for a long time, this passion was just a hobby that I indulged in my spare time.
One day, I realized that my job wasn’t fulfilling me. It paid the bills, but it didn’t light a fire in me.
That’s when I decided to turn my passion into my career. I founded Hack Spirit, a blog on practical psychology and self-improvement tips.
It wasn’t easy. There were days of doubts, fears, and uncertainties. But the joy and satisfaction I felt from doing something I loved far outweighed the challenges.
Pursuing your passions can be scary. It often means stepping out of your comfort zone and taking risks. But it’s only by following your passions that you can truly feel alive.
So, if there’s something you’ve always wanted to do, don’t wait for the perfect moment. Start now. Even if it’s in a small way, take the first step towards doing what you love.
4) They nurture relationships
People who truly live understand the importance of nurturing their relationships. They invest time and energy in building strong connections with the people around them.
I used to be someone who was always too busy for friends and family. I was focused on my work and didn’t make time for my relationships.
But over time, I realized that my life felt empty without meaningful connections.
I made a conscious effort to nurture my relationships. I started spending more quality time with my loved ones, expressing my feelings more openly, and being there for them in times of need.
The result? My
life became richer and more fulfilling.
And this isn’t just my personal observation. Research backs it up too. A study conducted by the Harvard Study of Adult Development, one of the world’s longest studies on adult life, found that close relationships, more than money or fame, are what keep people happy throughout their lives.
So, if you want to truly live, make sure to nurture your relationships. Genuine connections with others can bring joy and fulfillment that material possessions can’t.
5) They prioritize self-care
For a long time, I neglected self-care. I was always on the go, juggling multiple tasks at once. I thought that taking time out for myself was selfish and unproductive.
But then, I hit a wall. I was burnt out, stressed, and unhappy.
That’s when I realized that in order to give my best to the world, I first needed to take care of myself.
I started incorporating self-care into my routine. I began:
- Exercising regularly
- Eating healthier
- Ensuring I got enough sleep
- Indulging in activities that I enjoyed
The impact was immediate and profound. I felt happier, more energized, and more at peace with myself.
Self-care is essential if you want to truly live and not just exist. Taking time out for yourself allows you to replenish your energy and gives you the strength to face life’s challenges head-on.
6) They embrace change
Embracing change is another behavior that people who truly live exhibit. They understand that change is a part of life and instead of resisting it, they accept and adapt to it.
In my own life, I had always been someone who feared change. I liked my comfort zone and the predictability it offered. But life has a way of shaking things up.
When I decided to pursue my passion for psychology and start Hack Spirit, it was a massive change. I was scared and uncertain, but I chose to embrace the change.
And guess what? It was the best decision I ever made.
Change is inevitable. It’s how we choose to react to it that defines our experience of life.
By embracing change instead of resisting it, we open ourselves up to new experiences and opportunities, allowing us to truly live.
7) They learn to say no
This might sound counterintuitive, but people who truly live often say no more than they say yes.
They understand the value of their time and energy, and don’t commit to things that don’t align with their values or passions.
For a long time, I was a ‘yes’ person. I agreed to every request and opportunity that came my way, thinking that it would make me more likable and successful. But all it did was leave me feeling overwhelmed and stretched thin.
Then, I learned to say no.
It wasn’t easy at first, but with practice, it became liberating. I had more time for things that truly mattered to me.
So, here’s a practical tip: the next time you’re asked to do something, pause and consider if it aligns with your values and priorities. If it doesn’t, don’t be afraid to politely decline.
Conclusion
Living a life that’s truly fulfilling and not merely existing is within your reach. The 7 behaviors we’ve explored aren’t exclusive to a chosen few; they’re practices that anyone can adopt to bring more meaning and vibrancy into their life.
If you’ve been feeling like you’re stuck in a loop of just existing, let this be your reminder: it’s never too late to make a change.
Start small—cultivate gratitude, seek connection, or embrace curiosity—and watch how these shifts begin to transform your days.
Life is too precious to spend it on autopilot. The choice to truly live is yours, and it begins with the habits you choose to embrace today.
