Want to live a better life? Here are my thirteen (13) tips for greater happiness & success.
1. COMMIT TO ACHIEVING YOUR GOALS
When you approach a task that leads toward your goal, never start out by saying, “I’ll try…”. When you use that phrase, you’re giving yourself permission to fail. Instead, phrase your action in terms of “I will…!” or “I must…!” No wiggle room allowed. OK?
2. CELEBRATE MORE FREQUENTLY
Both small and large successes, accomplishments & milestones in your life deserve recognition. I believe it’s a mistake to head straight to the next task or the next goal without celebrating, even if it’s only quietly patting yourself on the back. Small wins need to be celebrated because collectively they can turn into a very big win.
3. DAYDREAM MORE OFTEN
If you ask me, the idea that daydreaming and working are mutually exclusive belongs back in the 20th Century. It’s when you let your thoughts wander that you’re more likely to discover what your real purpose in life is, as well as solving many of life’s problems or just simply keeping the old brain active & healthy.
4. DON’T GOSSIP
Before you tell a story about anybody else or listen to such a story, ask yourself four questions:
- Is it true?
- Is it kind?
- Is it necessary? and
- Would I want somebody telling a similar story about me?
If you answered no to any of these questions, then, you must think before speaking.
5. DON’T WORRY ABOUT WHAT OTHERS THINK OF YOU
Truly, you have no idea what anyone is really thinking about you. So, it’s a total waste of time and energy to cling to your own idea of what that might be, especially if it’s negative. Just move towards living a kind, considerate & healthy life and treat others how you would like to be treated yourself, and the universe will reward you in spades.
6. DEFINE FAILURE AS JUST A STEPPING STONE TO SUCCESS
There is no such thing as failure!! If you can develop a mindset that any failure, disappointment, or loss is just a learning &/or timing situation the happier and more successful your life will be. Yes … I know it is hard sometimes but life is a journey with many twists & turns that can both significantly challenge & reward us. Use these so-called “failures” to become stronger & better.
7. FIND THE RIGHT WAY TO EARN MONEY
We all have to find a way to earn money to be able to live (shelter, feed & entertain ourselves & family) but it is important to find the right way to do this. Too many people hate the work they do but fail to really do anything about it!! If you’re consistently miserable or complaining about your job, then it is now time to do something about it. You owe it not only to yourself but also your co-workers, bosses & family to either find a new way to earn money, make the best of the job that you’ve already got & become happy about it or develop new skills & knowledge that will allow you move to your dream “job”.
8. IF IT’S SCARY, DO IT NOW
Being successful & happy means taking risks and risks can sometimes be a little bit scary. Now the point here is, rather than letting fear keep you from taking action, use it as a signal that it’s time to actually take action. It may sound trite, but there’s real truth in the old saying: “Feel the fear, then do it anyway.”
9. KNOW YOUR PERSONAL LIMITS
While your job might sometimes seem like the most important thing in your world, you’re slowly killing yourself if you let work situations push you into that “dark place” we all can get to sometimes. Life is meant to be lived & enjoyed; so make time for those activities that make you feel good … without any guilt.
10. LET GO OF YOUR RESULTS
The big enemy of happiness is worry!! Worry comes from focusing on events that are outside your control. Once you’ve taken action, there’s usually nothing more you can do, so focus on the job at hand rather than some weird fantasy of what might or might not happen.
11. LISTEN TO SOMETHING INSPIRING
I believe that your ears are the pathway to your brain. When doing something visually boring (like driving), listen to audiobooks or motivational talks. Conversely, when you need some extra energy, listen to music that “pumps you up”. It will definitely help you grow & develop as a person if you practice this regularly. Plenty of options these days via Spotify or ITunes.
12. UNDERSTAND THAT YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR OWN EMOTIONS
Your attitude isn’t controlled by the outside world. While truly sad things do happen, most of the time your attitude is the result of how you’re viewing the world, rather than what’s happening in it. An easy way to change is simply just to change your view!!
13. REMEMBER THAT EVERYTHING WILL CHANGE
It’s a fact that the nature of the physical universe is “change”. Nothing remains the same; everything is, as the “gurus” say, transitory. Whether you’re celebrating or mourning or something in between, remember that this too will pass. There are so many daily happiness and success habits that people can engage in to improve their overall well-being.
If you are looking for some more ideas … you might like to read my follow-up post “10 Ways To Help Your Pursuit Of Happiness”
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