With the 4th of July just around the corner, it's a perfect time to remind ourselves to pursue happiness. I have always maintained that a happy and healthy employee is a successful employee. Throughout my 25+ year career of bringing out the best in professionals, I have seen this proven time and time again.
Unfortunately, many people have it backwards. They believe they will be happy once they achieve success. This kind of happiness is typically short-lived and limiting. The truth is, you will find success once you are happy. If you've ever thought or said, "I'll be happy when..." or "if only...", this post is for you.
Here are a few ideas on how to pursue happiness this summer:
Practice Gratitude: The field of positive psychology highlights the incredible impact gratitude can have on our lives. Even in difficult times, there is always something to be thankful for. Our brains are pre-programmed to look for danger, and choosing gratitude is a way to offset this negativity bias. Jotting down three things a day you are thankful for can be life-changing. Once you start this process, your brain starts noticing more things to be thankful for, and you start to feel more positive. Alternatively, take out your phone and text a thank you message to someone who means a lot to you. There's no better way to make a co-worker or associate feel valued than a well-timed word of appreciation, and you will benefit as well. Now is also a great time to thank a member of our armed forces or a veteran for their service.
Practice Self-Care: Taking care of yourself is extremely important and will help you manage the additional stress you may be facing. Aim to sleep 7-8 hours per night, exercise regularly, and eat well.
Know Your Early Warning Signs of Stress: Recognize your warning signs and triggers for stress. Instead of ignoring them, implement stress management strategies (mindfulness/meditation, music, humor, time in nature, etc.) that work best for you. Truly happy and successful individuals know their stress signals and how to return to a state of calm.
Practice Mindfulness or Meditation: Mindfulness involves being in the present moment in a non-judgmental way, and meditation can help achieve this. Staying present wards off regret and sadness from the past and worry and anxiety about the future. Successful people often have a mindfulness practice because it helps them stay happy, perform better, make stronger decisions, lead more effectively, focus, fight disease, and sleep well. I highly recommend it!
Get Outside: Spending time in nature has a positive impact on overall well-being. Listen to the birds, watch a sunset, take a walk or hike, or visit the beach, lake, or pond.
Do Something Kind: According to Nataly Kogan, author of "Happier Now," intentional kindness is a wonderful way to choose happiness. Donate to a charity, stand up for someone, or listen to a co-worker who seems down. You can also pay for the next person in line's coffee, take your bag off the empty seat next to you on a crowded train, or simply hold the door for someone. As the saying goes, "a bit of fragrance clings to the hand that gives the bouquet."
Spend Time with Loved Ones: Make sure to prioritize this important activity. Our connections and relationships greatly impact our happiness and longevity. I am looking forward to extra time with my family and friends over the holiday and throughout the summer.
Pursue Your Passion: It's hard to be happy in a job or career you're not passionate about. Take the time to investigate what you were meant to do on this planet.
Use Your Vacation Days: Many Americans do not use their vacation days, resulting in more burnout, depression, suicide, sick days, and lost productivity. Take time off (preferably at a beautiful, fun location) and watch your productivity soar when you return to work.
Feel free to contact me for more ideas on how you can pursue happiness. It's written in the Declaration of Independence for a reason!
Wishing you all the best for a HAPPY 4th of July!
If you know someone who would benefit from this information, please feel free to share it.
Click here for a free consult to learn how coaching can help you in your pursuit of happiness.
Remember, happiness is a choice!
Source: "Happier Now" by Nataly Kogan
“Empowerment begins when you realize you have a choice.”
Janine Friedman, Owner and founder of Choice Training and Coaching Solutions, Inc. is a leadership and career performance coach and holds a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) designation from the International Coaching Federation as well certifications in The Leadership Challenge and High Flow Coaching.
She has spent her 25+ year career dedicated to unlocking the full potential of individuals and teams. She empowers leaders to navigate challenges with confidence and inspire teams to reach new heights.
Through personalized coaching and dynamic workshops, she equips leaders with the skills and mindset needed to thrive in today's ever-evolving business landscape.
A large chunk of the work she does involves empowering women to move past self-doubt and Imposter Syndrome so they can experience more success in their careers without giving up happiness in their lives.
To learn more about her background click here. To schedule a FREE 45-minute coaching consultation to sample what coaching can do for you, click here.
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