Are you happy? As the quote says, It can be difficult to achieve happiness in these rough and hectic times, but do you know what happiness looks like for you? It is not one size fits all. I am often asked what people want to work on when they engage a coach. The answer is varied, but it has some element of a pursuit of happiness in their personal and/or professional life. Here are some basic suggestions for you to consider if you, too, want to be happier:
1. DECIDE TO BE HAPPY.
This is not intended to be a flip statement. Take responsibility for your happiness and make a conscious decision to focus on situations, people and relationships that make you feel good about yourself and the world.
2. GET TO KNOW YOURSELF BETTER.
Write down your values and core beliefs. Check to ensure that your personal and professional goals are aligned with your values and core beliefs. If there is not alignment here, inner conflict will squeeze out happiness every time.
3. DON’T CONFUSE MATERIAL THINGS WITH SUCCESS.
True happiness has more to do with the quality of your thoughts and relationships than the size of your house, the car you drive or the labels in your clothes. A 1995 study, using surveys and daily observation by Diener and Fujita, showed the availability of material resources was nine times less important to happiness than the availability of “personal” resources such as friends and family.
4. ENJOY EVERY PLEASURE
Mother Nature is free for the observing, and happiness can be as simple as enjoying a beautiful sunrise or sunset while traveling to work or your child’s laugh. Don’t forget to focus on those moments of happiness, wallow in the feeling of joy. Happiness is not necessarily a steady constant state but may come in bursts of contentment, so be on the look out for it. When was the last time you laughed out loud for a good minute or two? Laughing can contribute to your overall happier outlook, so look for reasons to laugh.
5. BELIEVE IN YOURSELF AND YOUR ABILITY TO HAVE A HAPPY LIFE.
Be your own cheering section. It is hard, if not impossible, to rise above your level of self-esteem. We constantly hear people talk about giving or getting a “vibe” from someone. When you don’t believe that you can or deserve to be happy, the “vibe” you share with others can help this become a self-fulfilling prophecy.
6. GIVE BACK OFTEN TO PEOPLE AND CAUSES THAT CALL YOU FORTH TO HELP SOMEONE.
Happiness usually requires that we feel needed. There is nothing more rewarding than helping someone else to be happy.
Those who have no fire within cannot warm others. ~ Bev Wright
