I have found that when I broach the subject of “happiness”, people seem to kind of tune out. When it comes to self development people want to learn about time management, forming habits and other more tangible things than “happiness”.
It makes sense on one level, but on the other hand it seems a bit shortsighted. If our end goal is to be happy, and it often is, then why ignore it?
There are a number of works on Happiness recently that showcase the importance of it. It isn’t only important, it is potentially a predictor of success.
“Happiness” isn’t something that we should ignore. Happy people succeed!
A lot of people seemed to be confused about what comes first – success or happiness?
This makes sense because all through our childhood we are taught, you work hard, you get successful and THEN you will be happy?
Is this true though?
Is everyone who is “successful” happy? I think it is safe to assume this isn’t the case.
Furthermore – maybe the process needs to be flipped entirely. What if getting happy is the first step not the last?
There have been a number of studies that show that happiness is a predictor of success! It makes perfect sense though right? if you are happy doing something, you will put more effort into it. You will naturally work harder and more efficiently if you are happy with what you are doing!
If you aren’t getting the results you want then ask yourself…are you truly happy?
Right? Am I right on this one?
Well…I love quotes!
Here are some of the best quotes on Happiness:
“Happiness depends upon ourselves.” —Aristotle
“Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.” —Mahatma Gandhi
“One of the secrets of a happy life is continuous small treats.” —Iris Murdoch
“It is only possible to live happily ever after on a daily basis.” —Margaret Bonanno
“Happiness is not the belief that we don’t need to change; it’s the realization that we can.” ― Shawn Achor
And then there is the ultimate happiness quote, the one that sums up my beliefs perfectly:
“Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.” – Albert Schweitzer
If you are struggling to be happy – then revisit these quotes (and find your own). Keep them handy (maybe a poster with one of the quotes on office wall for example) and you will start to notice a gradual change in your mood!
Let me know what you think 🙂
Alana says
Many people have jobs they hate – some which are well paying – and find out, the hard way, that success doesn’t come until they do something that gives them joy. I learned that the hard way when I was in my early 20’s.
Carol Cassara says
I feel really lucky that I am a naturally happy person, no matter what. So far…so good!
Linda Hampton RN MSN says
Yes consider yourself naturally luck. There is much you can teach others 🙂 Thanks
K. Lee Banks says
I happily find this ironic, since I’m doing whole series on happiness right now! 🙂
Linda Hampton RN MSN says
It’s a great topic. Sometimes we forget that happiness is an inside job
Linda Hampton RN MSN says
Just like everyone else I need to remind myself everyday to be happy