dianalynneblog
8 Actions for Intentional Happiness
Who has not heard someone say "I just want to be happy." or "my goal is to be happy" ?
Who has not thought that the right circumstance, words, or person will make us happy? Happiness sometimes seems to live just on the other side.. usually on the side where the neighbours live or that one person for whom everything seems to go just right. You know the people I'm talking about - the friend who always seems to have a great job, got the A's in school, is always popular, the neighbours who seem to have it all together- perfect kids, nice house, stellar marriage, great vacations to exotic places or the people for whom there is no problem in the world and who just roll through life on a cloud.
So what is happiness? What does this elusive thing look like or feel like? Is it a feeling, a state, an emotion? Or could it be... dare I say it.. a decision? What if "happy" is something we choose to be each day when we wake up no matter what is happening around us? What if happiness has more to do with what we give than what we expect to receive?
For me, happiness is in the present. Each morning will come with its own set of problems and frustrations, but, by being proactive on a daily basis and adopting an ongoing course of action and developing a positive mindset, we can navigate the hazardous waters of life. There are many ways we can equip ourselves to be happy. Here are 8 ideas to begin a new path of Intentional Happiness.
1. Improve Social Skills
Increased confidence
Better communication with others
New and better career opportunities
New friendships and relationships
Less time wasting with negative associations
Improved physical health
Increased earning potential
Better networking skills
2. Practice Gratitude
Better emotional health
Better mental health
Better physical health
People like us more
We are less self-centered
We are more optimistic
We are less focused on material possessions
We are more excited about exercising
Improves our career opportunities
3. Live in the Present
Gives us a positive outlook on life
Helps us to focus and concentrate
Increases our productivity
Reduces sleep problems
Reduces destructive ways of thinking
Reduces stress and anxiety
4. Exercise Regularly
Make it fun; do something you enjoy
Be realistic and give yourself time
Give yourself rewards for "sticking to it"
Make exercise a social event-exercise with a group
Work exercise into your daily life (walk to work, household chores)
Don't listen to your excuses (too busy, too tired)
Think of the benefits you will gain
5. Associate with Positive People
For inspiration
For support
For laughter
For good advice
For adventure
For a positive influence
For a positive outlook
6. Adopt a Growth Mindset
Believe that you can....
Embrace failure as your teacher
Build existing skills and learn new ones
Get around people with a growth mindset
Don't listen to the "naysayers"
Stop listening to yourself and start talking to yourself
Read inspiring books
Remember that everything has a beginning and we all start there
7. Serve Others
Influences others and impacts them to serve as well
Adds purpose to our life
Gives us an emotional and mental boost
Decreases stress
Connects us to a community
Increases our lifespan
8. Act on Dreams and Goals
Time will pass anyway whether you do or whether you don't
No one is going to achieve your dreams or set your goals for you
There is a reason we have dreams of what we want to to do or accomplish
Our dreams and goals are what keep us alive
A goal is a dream with a deadline and this makes it achievable
Acting on our dreams is an act of self love
How do you find your happy? I Would love to hear your thoughts.
Sharing ideas is the game and life is for living
Diana's passions are family, travel, self-improvement, living a debt-free/financially free life. She also loves hanging out with friends and being with her dog, Skye. You can connect with her through livingandstuff.com