Would you say you are happy with your job/career? Do you enjoy going to work each day? (Ok, let’s just say most of the time?) Do you get enjoyment out of your tasks and interaction with your coworkers and clients/vendors? What about your life in general? Do you feel happy most of the time?
Approximately 65% of US workers state they are happy at work. (Apollo Technical (2024) But in a recent Gallup report (2024), Americans who state they are happy with their personal life are at a near record low over the past 20 years.
So I think it’s safe to say that we all have our days or weeks when we don’t feel happy. And maybe some of us (or many of us) struggle with that much more often than not.
Have you noticed a difference between your job satisfaction and your general happiness?
In the Oprah/self care age of ‘living your best life’, how does one get there? Life presents hurdles, distractions, and stressors daily. Turn on the news on any given day and you’ll see that the world is struggling. Wars, famine, destruction, economic problems, high gas and interest rates, inflation, the list goes on and on. It can make you down right depressed, frustrated and even angry. Unless you are Pollyanna, how are you supposed to be happy the majority of time?
Or maybe we are reaching too high. Maybe our goal should be to “embrace the suck” instead of forcing happiness?
The influence of perception on happiness:
For me, it all comes down to perception. Each of us has the power to choose how you want to view life and all of the circumstances in it. You can choose to embrace the suck or create a more positive viewpoint. That’s all up to you.
In my upcoming book, Mindset Matters with Jack Canfield, I talk about perception, and how it is individually created by our personal beliefs. And where do our beliefs come from? Our parents. Or our grandparents, teachers, coaches, mentors or anyone else who influenced you as a child. Right or wrong, we were all programmed with beliefs of those who came before us. And these perceptions are the filters through which we see and experience life. Knowing this, you can change any belief that isn’t serving you. For in the end, a belief is just a thought. One that we’ve given a lot of power to, but just a thought nonetheless that can indeed be changed.
Can you identify a belief that might be limiting your happiness?
Even knowing this, very quickly, this can be an overwhelming thing to take in. Where do you even begin? With options upon options, it can seem easier to just do nothing. But the truth is, change is not difficult. And the effort needed from you is also not that much effort. But it takes consistency and a personal desire to change.
Universally, I always recommend to my clients to create a morning routine. Now this routine can be as long and detailed as you want, or as short and simple. The great thing here is there is no right or wrong way to do it. It is a curated routine that you choose to do daily (or at least Monday – Friday) to focus on creating a positive, focused, and peaceful mind. And I promise you, it works! Your investment of 10, 30 or even 60 minutes each morning will create positive results in every area of your life.
Sound too good to be true? I understand because I was there too. 20 years ago, I was working with a coach that required me to do this. So I was sort of forced into my morning routine. But 20 years later, I still do it every day. Because it is that impactful.
Practical steps to cultivate happiness:
Dedicate 10-30 minutes of uninterrupted time for you. I always do this in the morning before the rest of my household gets up, but you can do this before bedtime if that suits you better.
Start with gratitude. Think or write down 3 things you are grateful for in your life right now. Why do you start with this? Because you are forcing your thoughts to a place that is positive and abundant. And what you focus on, grows. So starting your day with gratitude is like activating a giant magnet bringing positive mindset and abundance into your day. And who doesn’t want that?!
Then you choose what you want to do from here to center yourself and clear your mind.
- Meditation
- Read a positive affirmation
- Read an inspirational book
- Prayer
- Visualization
- Journal
- Yoga
- Breathing exercises
During this time, it is helpful to focus on what you want to accomplish or bring into your life. Spend time on the day at hand and also your future. Visualization is a great tool for future dream-lining.
The entire process doesn’t have to be long. 10 minutes is really all you need. But you just may love it so much that you extend it to 30 or even 60 minutes. The key is consistency. Doing it daily is far more important than the length of time you spend. So don’t get all stressed out thinking you do not have any time to dedicate to this. Everyone has 10 minutes they can spare for their own personal betterment.
What would your ideal morning routine look like?
As a resource guide for you, I have created a PDF morning routine booklet that you can download from my website. Just go to www.emergepositive.com and click the “Free Booklet” button.
And remember…..there is no wrong way to do your routine. So pick those things that you enjoy so you set yourself up for creating more joy and success in your life.
You choose how you see and approach life. No one can choose it for you. So why not choose to be happy? Choose to see life in a better way? Choose to create a workday, week, and life that you actually enjoy?
Can it really be that simple? You won’t know until you try.
You can Emerge Positive!
Positively,
Deanne
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