My Happiness Project - Keys to Daily Happiness

 


I believe everyone has one common goal in life, which is to be happy. It has also been well established that you can’t really pursue happiness but rather it is the result of concerted action towards your closely cherished dreams.

Aristotle said, “Happiness is the meaning and the purpose of life, the whole aim and end of human existence.”

What are the keys to happiness? Happiness has been defined as the progressive realization of a worthy goal, which means if you have a predetermined outcome you are working towards, then that journey enhances your happiness.

The other key principle to be happy is to not be attached to the outcome. Yes, we should set challenging goals, but if the outcome is different, we should be detached and practice acceptance. Another thing I have learned is not to label things as either bad or good. Everything happens for a reason, and sometimes we don’t understand why it happened. Only when we attain some distance from the actual event do we understand the reason for its occurrence and how it helped us.

One of the hindrances on our path to happiness is unexpected setbacks. Rudy Tanzi, professor of neurology at Harvard University, has a nice four-step process for this (I came across this in The Achievement Habit by Bernard Roth). First, stop yourself from doing what your initial reaction intended. Second, take a deep breath. Third, become aware of what you are feeling. Finally, recall a past event that gave you a feeling of peace and happiness.

There are multiple volumes of books on happiness. One that I like is The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin. She has actually made it a project on how to increase happiness, and it was an interesting read chronicling her methods for every month of the year. My happiness project is simpler, and I have come up with these keys I need in order to stay happy, and it is not dependent on the latest trend in technology.

15 Keys to Happiness

1. Accept Yourself We are all imperfect, and accepting this is crucial for happiness. Embrace your uniqueness and avoid comparing yourself to others. A strong self-esteem is the foundation of a healthy personality. Striving for perfection is a never-ending journey.

2. Define Your Purpose Identify what you want out of life. Craft a personal mission statement to give your life direction and meaning. As Mark Twain said, “The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.”

3. Personal Activities Engage in activities that make you happy. Whether it's working out, reading, writing, or any hobby, including these in your routine can relieve stress and boost happiness.

4. Set Goals While enjoying life’s journey is important, setting specific, measurable, and attainable goals can energize you. Big Hairy Audacious Goals (BHAGs) can also jump-start your enthusiasm and drive.

5. Build Relationships Strong relationships at work, home, and with friends are crucial. Nurture these connections by spending quality time and having meaningful conversations. Encouraging others and being there for them strengthens these bonds and boosts your own happiness.

6. Create a Positive Environment Surround yourself with positive, upbeat people. Emotional contagion suggests that we become like those we associate with. Positive role models and a supportive environment can elevate your thinking and inspire greater possibilities.

7. Stay Grateful Keep a gratitude journal to regularly record the good things in your life. Appreciating your life and the opportunities it presents fosters a deep sense of happiness.

8. Engage in Physical Activity Regular physical activity is essential for mental and emotional well-being. Exercise releases endorphins, which are natural mood lifters. Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Group, attributes his productivity and happiness to daily exercise.

9. Prioritize Health and Well-being Physical health impacts mental health. A balanced diet and adequate sleep are essential. Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Group, attributes his productivity and happiness to daily exercise.

10. Cultivate a Growth Mindset Embrace challenges and view failures as opportunities to learn. Carol Dweck’s research on growth mindset shows that believing in the potential for growth enhances resilience and happiness.

11. Give Back to Others Helping others through volunteering or acts of kindness boosts your own happiness. Bill and Melinda Gates find joy and fulfillment through their philanthropic efforts, which make a positive impact on the world.

12. Foster Creativity Engage in creative activities like painting, writing, or playing music. Creativity allows you to express yourself and can be a powerful source of joy. Steve Jobs believed in the importance of creativity and innovation for personal fulfillment.

13. Manage Stress Develop strategies to manage stress, such as deep breathing, yoga, or spending time in nature. Rudy Tanzi’s four-step process for handling setbacks—stop, breathe, become aware of feelings, and recall a peaceful memory—can be highly effective.

14. Seek Continuous Learning Always strive to learn and grow. Continuous learning keeps your mind active and engaged, leading to a more fulfilling life. Satya Nadella emphasizes the importance of a learning culture at Microsoft to foster innovation and personal growth.

15. Maintain Work-Life Balance Balance your professional and personal life to avoid burnout. Sheryl Sandberg advocates for setting boundaries and prioritizing what matters most to achieve long-term happiness and success.

Conclusion

Happiness is a choice that requires effort and conscious decision-making. By incorporating these keys into your daily life, you can enhance your overall well-being and lead a more fulfilling life. As Aristotle said, “Happiness is the meaning and the purpose of life, the whole aim and end of human existence.”

Thanks for reading this post.

The views expressed here are my own and do not represent my organization.

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