Happiness … it’s something we all want. However, what makes one person happy is often quite different from what will make another person happy. Each person’s definition of happiness is … well … just different.
We can’t look at someone’s life and make a judgement about their happiness. While they may live in a nice house, have a good job, great family, etc. … external factors can be deceiving.
Without understanding a person’s definition of what will create happiness for them and their own assessment of their reality, we just can’t know if someone is happy.
YOU are the only one who knows if YOU are happy. Let me make this super-simple:
Many people spend lots of time and money in search of happiness without really stopping to assess, “WHAT WILL BRING ME HAPPINESS?” Until that’s understood, it’s hard to know what to change to get you to your happy place.
Here are a few things to consider:
- If you are living a life in accordance with your values, you will find happiness. Can you articulate what your top 5 values are? If not, take time to evaluate and identify what they are for you.
- Think about a time when you were truly happy. What was going on in your life at that time? What contributed to your happiness? How is it different from your current situation?
- Focus on what you can control. First, remember that you DO have a LOT of control over your situation. Get out of the “if only …” mentality and shift to “what can I do to make this situation better?” One thing that many people forget is that they have control over is their perspective – the lens through which they view the world. Shifting to an attitude of gratitude and focusing on what is positive in your life vs. focusing on what you don’t have can make a world of difference. Don’t be a victim of your circumstances, get in the driver’s seat and take the wheel!
- Don’t be scared of your dreams. Sometimes it can be overwhelming to think about what all we would have to do to achieve happiness. It’s true that, “Anything worthwhile is hard work.” However, if you can do one thing each day that moves you closer to that dream, it will be more manageable. Want to make a career change? Register for a class and go back to school, or research job opportunities at the company you’ve always wanted to work for. How do you get from Point A to Point B? ONE STEP AT A TIME!
Your definition of happiness is unique.
The change needed to find your happiness is unique.
YOU own finding happiness in your life.
So what’s holding you back? Get out there and start your quest and find your Happy Place!
Martha Duesterhoft is a Partner with PeopleResults. Follow her on Twitter @mduesterhoft or connect via email at mduesterhoft@people-results.com.
