Sep 01 2009
Happiness: Is it really about the way we think?
Happiness. We all seem to try to pursue it,but do many of us actually achieve genuine happiness? Recent brain science research says that happiness comes through staying positive! But is it true that optimistic people are happier than pessimistic people( some call themselves realist)?
I am not sure.
I personally like to evaluate a situation and try to predict how much or how little of some type of interaction or material matter will make me be a happier individual. I feel it is easier said than done to be positive 24-7. However, I will like to try to see if being more positive will in fact make me a happier person.
Shawn Achor, the head of a consulting firm called Aspirant, believes that most people have not achieved happiness in their social and work lifestyles because people make the mistake that success( in any sense of the word) leads to hapiness.
I believe Achor’s belief is true! Many times I have been successful at a task but still did not achieve happiness, from my personal and impersonal intearactions in life.
Achor says a better way to look at your life and interactions is whether your actions make a positive contribution not only to your life but the lives around you!
When we are met with challenges in life, we begin to believe we are not good enough and we can not make a difference that improves our well being and the well being of others around us!
There is a list of 6 ways to try to be a happier individual:
1. Look for what is good about a situation.
Everything has what we define as good and bad traits to it. It is advised that right before one goes to bed one should think about something he or she is grateful about(try to think of at least 3). Say these things out loud.
Researchers say that by doing this task nightly will make one be happier and more successful overtime on the basis, one is rewarding one’s self by bringing to the front-line what is great about his or her life!
2. Have fun.
It is hard to think that work and play can be blended occasionally. But if you find a way through smiles, laughter and community orientated situations, you increase your potential to be clear thinking about actions and more creative in life!
3. Brighten your environment!
Put pictures and things that make you smile at work and at home! Wear and decorate yourself with calming colors( examples: blues and purple) rather than panic colors( examples: red and yellow). Do not surround one’s self with things that trigger negative emotions!
4. Keep a journal.
Verbalizing negative thoughts about things will decrease the negative vibes from overpowering you with grief and misery! Just make sure no one sees it.
5. Invest in people.
Try to make stronger bonds with people you trust and feel comfortable around! It appears this will increase your life span and make you feel happier to live your life! It is better than being around people you have tension with often!
6. The final tip is to never stay in constant routine! If you do not try new things, you can numb yourself of seeing the potential opportunities life gives you to be a happier person! Routines do not stimulate your brain functions and this makes for more stress!
Pick up a few hobbies and try something new when you get a chance… a meal, a new place to hangout, read a new book, watch a movie you have never seen or take a walk!
I hope these 6 ways to try to be a happier person works out for all who read this! I am sure it is a long process but well worth it! Until next time, find ways to be happier!
