It is not what happens to you that counts, it is how you react to what happens to you, especially when you are faced with unexpected problems. Here are just some observations we have gained from working with successful people over the years. read more…
Apparently the reason so many people like the thrill of the roller coaster is the desire for that ‘happy’ moment. Personally I will need to get my happiness elsewhere as they just frighten the life out of me, but the quest for happiness is a strong driver for the majority of us.
Of course, it is all too easy to get out of the habit of happiness. The constant presence of bad news and low level complaining all help to leave us in an atmosphere of worry and anxiety.
Here at The Way we are striving to minimise the negative and focus on a more positive response to life. No, we are not advocating standing in front of the mirror making positive affirmations. You can say all the positive things you like but if your belief is that life is a bit of a disappointment than no amount of ‘positive thinking’ will move you on.
I believe that the key to happiness is this: dedicate yourself to the development of your natural talents and abilities by doing what you love to do.
This is a big statement and a big commitment. Being happy requires that you define your life in your own terms and then throw your whole heart into living your life to the fullest.
Help yourself first!
Here at Way Towers we are sometimes accused of promoting selfishness in saying this but bear with me and I will explain.
Edmond Rostand’s play Cyrano de Bergerac, Cyrano is asked why he is so intensely individualistic and unconcerned with the opinions and judgments of others. He replies with these wonderful words: “I am what I am because early in life I decided that I would please at least myself in all things.”
Your happiness likewise depends upon your ability to please at least yourself in all things. You can be happy only when you are living your life in the very best way possible and in your happiness you will find yourself to be more able to help and accommodate others.
The biggest myth about happiness is when people say that it is not legitimate or correct for you to put your happiness ahead of everyone else’s. Throughout my life, I’ve met people who have said that it is more important to make other people happy than it is to make yourself happy.
This is nonsense. The fact is that you can’t give away to anyone else what you don’t have for yourself. Just as you can’t give money to the poor if you don’t have any, you can’t make someone else happy if you yourself are miserable.
The very best way to assure the happiness of others is to be happy yourself and then to share your happiness with them. Suffering and self-sacrifice merely depress and discourage other people. If you want to make others happy, start by living the kind of life and doing the kind of things that make you happy.
Here are three ideas you could try out if you had a mind to try the theory out;
First, define for yourself the activities that you really love and enjoy, at home and work, and then organize your life so you do more of them.
Second, believe in yourself and trust your own feelings. Then, please at least yourself in all things.
Third, determine what it is that you do that brings the most happiness to others and then organize your life so that you can do more of it.
Here’s to your success
This may be a hard one, but look for something good hidden within each difficulty or challenge. Look towards what you It is not what happens to you that counts, it is how you react to what happens to you, especially when you have unexpected problems of any kind. Here are just some observations we have gained from working with successful people over the years.
You can use these powerful strategies to keep yourself thinking and acting
Look towards where you want to be. Whatever challenges you face, focus on the future rather than on the past. Instead of worrying about who did what and who is to blame, focus on where you want to be and what you want to do. Get a clear mental image of your ideal successful outcome, and then take whatever action you can to begin moving in that direction. Get your mind, your thoughts, and your mental images on the future.
Think About the Solution. When you are facing a difficulty, focus on possible solutions rather than on the problem. Think and talk about the ideal solution to the obstacle or setback, rather than wasting time rehashing and reflecting on the problem. Solutions are inherently positive, whereas problems are inherently negative. The instant that you begin thinking in terms of solutions, you become positive and constructive.
You can learn and do it differently next time. Understanding that whatever situation you are facing at the moment is exactly the right situation you need to ultimately be successful. Use it to help you expand and grow. We often learn more through mistakes than we do by our successes, knowing that, embrace the situation as an opportunity to learn rather than a situation to rail against.
Have a half full glass. A Positive Mental Attitude is indispensable to your success. You can be as positive as you want to be if you will simply think about the future, focus on the solution and look for the good. If you do what other successful people do, if you use your mind to exert mental control over the situation, you will be positive and cheerful most of the time. And you will reap the benefits enjoyed by all successful people.
Here are three steps you can take immediately to put these ideas into action;
First, become solution-oriented with every difficulty you face. Make a habit of looking for the answers to your questions, the solutions to your problems.
Second, seek for the valuable lesson in every adversity. Make a list of every idea or insight you can gain from every setback or difficulty.
Third, think on paper. Take some time to write out every detail of the problem, and then take the most logical next step to solve it.
‘Think you can, think you can’t. Either way you will be right’ Henry Ford
Here’s to your success and happiness
Angela
