When I was a kid, I never thought about how happy I was ... yet I was fully content. My pockets were empty, but Mario was getting coins and that was enough for me to be happy.

As I grew up, Mario video games were replaced by games of life. In college, I realized that my knowledge about the world was improving, but everything I knew about myself was gradually fading away.

I found myself entangled in a series of worthless tasks and almost forgot that life is ephemeral. While looking for solitude and happiness, I realized this planet is full of people who are alive but have forgotten to live; it's like they are suffering from amnesia.

I decided to break the mold and figure out how to be happy in this life. I learned these five secrets the hard way and I'm sharing them with you, to help you stay happy even when life tries to bring you down:

1. Your first crush should be you

Some of us make resolutions. Others find themselves confused about what to even include on a list of goals. This confusion makes sense. Knowing oneself is a difficult task that doesn't come with a manual. Figuring out complex gadgets is easier than figuring yourself out sometimes.

However, one thing is certain: we all are looking for happiness. The problem is we are looking for happiness in all the wrong places. It comes from within.

If we can't enjoy our own company, chances are others will also hate being with us. So, give yourself what you desperately seek from others: love. Yes, your first crush should be you. Fall in love with yourself and see how your life changes for the good.

2. Days are incomplete without nights

Life cannot be separated from sadness. Thinking you can have a life without sadness is like trying to inhale without ever exhaling - it's impossible. We live in a world of emotions and lousy circumstances. Often bad things happen at the worst possible time. It sounds odd, but in order to be happy, you have to be sad.

Observe your emotions and accept them. Once you realize what you are feeling, it'll be easier for you to control your own emotions. If you've made a mistake, focus on improvement rather than being so upset with yourself. Soon, you'll be better able to manage your happiness (along with your other emotions).

3. Life is full of choices

When life knocks you down, you always have two options: either give up or gather courage and stand up again. Certainly you don't want to give up and live as a failure. Instead, choose to pick yourself up and improve. Pick the path of self-improvement and your every effort will be rewarded.

4. Ditch the negativity

Happy people understand that negativity won't let them move forward in life. Instead, it stalls growth. Ditching all negative thoughts should be on your daily "to do" list if you want to be happy.

Evaluate your surroundings and the people you spend your time with. If you find anything or anyone filling your life with negativity, steer clear. Never compromise when it comes to negativity - it may not seem like it, but it's the cause of all your sufferings.

5. Follow the rule of being self-sufficient

Happiness walks into your life when you focus on your life and spend time making it better. You won't ever be happy if you can't have control over yourself. As I always say: "People will shoot you with the bullets of criticism; fighting the battle and standing firmly under the shelter of self-belief is the only recipe for being a champion."

When you've taken the time to understand yourself fully, it'll become quite easy for you to understand others. Genuinely listen to their stories and appreciate the joy it brings to you.

Now that you have the secrets of happiness, use your joy to help others smile - it will bring you even more happiness.