The
Road to Happiness: Three Essential Skills
by Janet Shlaes, Ph.D.
People
who tend to be happy live intentionally with regard to three core happiness
skills. They understand that happiness is a choice, rather than a birthright
and are committed to practicing these skills on a daily basis. They know
exactly what they want, what constitutes their unique version of happiness and are
proactive in their happiness journey. Happy people appreciate that happiness is
a daily endeavor, rather than a absolute destination. Employing the three
essential happiness skills detailed below can empower you to live a life of
purpose, direction, passion and authentic happiness.
Self-awareness:
What makes you happy? On the surface, this seems like a simple question,
however, getting to the heart of this question can be quite challenging for
most. Why? Getting to the core of what makes you happy requires moving beyond
externally generated messages regarding the “shoulds” of happiness and moving
to a deeper level of awareness. Authentically answering this question requires
honesty, courage and vulnerability. Your answer will greatly inform you about
your deepest values, needs and motivators. It may also require letting go of
people, possessions and circumstances that don’t align with your unique happiness
narrative.
Commitment:
What are you willing to commit to as a means to bringing more happiness
into your life? Once you have a working knowledge of your particular version of
happiness, commitment enters the picture. Being fully committed to doing
whatever it takes to create a fulfilling values-based life provides the requisite
motivation and sustenance to move through any challenges that present on your
journey. Commitment is rarely a one-time act; it requires returning to the
primary question of what makes you happy and periodically reconnecting with
your commitment to living a life of meaning and passion.
Self-care:
The skill of self-care is often the most difficult one to embrace; for
some it feels selfish to focus on self-care when they have others to think of.
Consider, however, the familiar instructions on airplanes where we are asked to
put on our own oxygen mask and then take care of our loved ones. What if your
happiness directly served to enhance the lives of those you care about? Your level of happiness positively
impacts your relationships on a personal and professional basis. I’m not
suggesting a life of pure self-focus at the expense of others, however, a lack
of self-care will not serve anyone. Self-care is not a one size fits all feat.
For some, self-care may include a healthy lifestyle via exercise or diet. For others
it may involve hobbies, socializing, being in nature, reading, etc. What
matters is that your approach to self-care provides positive benefits to you
and others in your personal and professional lives.
Happiness is a choice and a life-long endeavor requiring self-awareness,
commitment to doing whatever it takes and intentionality with regard to
self-care. What is your unique version of happiness? What are you willing to do
to bring more happiness into your life?
Janet
For
addition insights and observations, check out the following posts:
Are Your SMART Goals Smart Enough?
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