Maintaining a positive mindset can help turn your New Year’s resolutions into lasting changes, said Alice Inoue, founder of Happiness U. That’s because an upbeat attitude enables people to deal with the challenges that come with starting something new, she said.

Inoue started her business in 2013 and recently moved her “lifestyle studio” into a 600-square-foot space at Salt at Our Kakaako.

Most of the Happiness U. talks and workshops are scheduled at night and on weekends.

Half-hour “Happy Hour” sessions, held on varying weekdays, cover topics of universal concern such as relationships, money and work. (The next ones are Jan. 12 and Jan. 18.)

The topics are geared toward increasing positivity and recognizing that “even the most complex challenges and aggravating events contain hidden blessings,” Inoue said.

“We can’t change what’s happening around you, but we can help to change your perspective. If you keep complaining, you’ll just keep getting more to complain about.”

The monthly membership fee for Happiness U. is $89, which allows access to all classes and online participation. Drop-in class fees for nonmembers start at $20 for half-hour sessions.

Attend a free half-hour class on happiness at 6 p.m Jan. 11 or 3 p.m. Jan. 29. Call 436-6444 or visit yourhappinessu.com for an updated event calendar.

IF YOU’RE looking to set goals and get a clearer vision of the year ahead, Happiness U. is hosting a “Create Your Best Year Ever” workshop at 12:30 p.m. Jan. 14. Instructors Kimi Morton and Pua Pakele & Cabot, life coaches who founded Best Life Ever, will offer tips on getting off to a good start, including dropping illusions about achieving a balanced life. The cost is $25.

“Aiming to find balance in your life is impractical, exhausting and self-defeating,” said Pakele & Cabot, who adopted an ampersand in her last name. During their workshop Saturday, the pair will discuss “the myth that your professional and personal goals must be compartmentalized and pitted against each other,” instead of integrating goals to increase productivity.

“Once you learn to be more efficient in life, you’ll have more time and energy to do the things that are most important to you,” said Pakele & Cabot.

“Be Well” spotlights health and fitness topics and activities. Reach Nancy Arcayna at narcayna@staradvertiser.com or call 529-4808.