​There are four factors that play a negative role on the level of our happiness, says Prof Marius Ungerer, an associate professor in Strategic Management at the University of Stellenbosch Business School (USB). He calls these factors the "destroyers of happiness".

"Happiness is, contrary to popular belief, not something one receives but it starts with something one gives. He says the paradox is that by giving something of yourself to others, you become a happier person because of the positive influence you have on them. 

"The first destroyer of happiness is when relationships are broken and weak. It is when there is no capacity to connect. Before you can flourish in any aspect of your life, you have to work on rectifying, building, creating and maintaining relationships as the building bridge between yourself and other people," he says.

He identifies a "blaming attitude" as another factor that makes a negative impact on happiness. "This happens when you don't take responsibility for your own happiness or situation, but blame others for that."

Another big factor that keeps you from flourishing is your fears. "We are afraid to be brave and we are afraid to explore new things," he says. "Part of this paradigm of flourishing is that you should step over edges, and explore new ways of thinking and doing things to fulfil your highest potential."

He says over-sensitivity is another factor that keeps you from experiencing happiness. "It is where you think that everything that people say or do is about you. But you must realise that the world is bigger than you and not always about you."

He says happiness is a journey that starts inside yourself. "It isn't about a tomorrow; happiness starts today. It is also important to understand and accept that you cannot change other people. Our journey is not to change others, but to accept the premise that we can change ourselves," he adds.

He names five practices an individual can engage in to have a more flourishing life.

• Lifestyle balance: Make sure your work and other activities are in balance
• Gratitude journal: Document what you have and accept that it is more than enough
• Meditation: Have a stillness around you and connect to a higher force
• Authenticity: Be true to yourself and be the best version of yourself
• Forgiveness: Learn to forgive people.​