Choose to Be Happy
Do you ever wonder why some people seem so happy? Do you think that those happy people must have a charmed life, or be super lucky? Do you believe that happy people have no problems in their lives while you have so many? Did you ever stop to think that those happy people actually choose to be happy?
That’s right! People can choose to be happy, or people can choose to be unhappy. All people have problems in their lives. Some have a lot and some have a few – but we all have problems. It’s just that happy people have learned to accept their problems and move past them. They choose to be happy, despite their problems.
Choosing to be happy is not something most unhappy people can just wake up and do. It takes practice. It takes a conscious effort. It doesn’t happen overnight. But there are ways to make it happen for you. Here are some helpful tips from Jim Smith, The Executive Happiness Coach at Happiness@TheSpeedofLife.
THE 13 PRINCIPLES OF HAPPINESS
- BECOME POSITIVELY SELF-ISH
When you take care of yourself first, you build a foundation for stronger relationships with others, increase your capacity and reduce doubt.
- LIVE YOUR VALUES
Clearly identify and proclaim your personal values through the way you live and work. You are more likely to spot opportunities when you know what they look like
- LIVE FOR LIVE, NOT FOR STUFF
Let go of possessions, roles, lifestyles that others and a marketing-hyped society impose on you; focus instead on what truly brings you joy.
- BE EARLY
Whether it is a project deadline, appointments or learning opportunities, get there early and watch your stress load decrease exponentially.
- BUILD RESERVES
Identify what worries you and work to create extra in your life, whether that is money, personal space or extra toilet paper in the cabinet.
- TOLERATE NOTHING
Continually find and get rid of all the little “stuff” which causes you friction and drains your energy.
- CHOOSE TO RESPOND
What happens is going to happen, regardless. Accept constant, discontinuous change as reality and instead of reacting, respond with curiosity.
- STIMULATE YOUR DEVELOPMENT
Surround yourself with environments and people who continually challenge you, energize you and literally pull you forward. Have adventures!
- PAY ATTENTION
When we are on auto-pilot, life just happens around us. Look. Listen. Notice. The sunset in your own backyard is just as wondrous as the one at the beach.
- SIMPLIFY
Automate, delegate or eliminate tasks or goals that complicate your life. Being content with simpler pleasures increases your opportunity for awe.
- SPEAK THE TRUTH
Stop playing games. Recognize that though the truth may sometimes sting, it is the starting place for all progress. Challenge others to see the truth.
- FOCUS ON TODAY
Waiting for something to happen “tomorrow” in order for you to be happy is like watching yourself in the mirror saying “You go first.”
- BE AUTHENTIC
Be yourself not somebody else. When the REAL you shows up, connections are easy.
Barb Schrader
February 15, 2017
Functional Endocrinology of Ohio
Akron: 2800 S. Arlington Road, Akron, Ohio 44312 (330) 644-5488
Cleveland: 6200 Rockside Woods Blvd., Ste. 100, Independence, Ohio 44131 (216) 236-0060
Dr. Keith S. Ungar, Dr. Andrew Kender, Dr. Robert Nichols, Chiropractic Physicians
