Taste Life Blog

A coaching client stated, “I should be working more and accomplishing more. I work a lot less than I used to and my life is in balance…something is wrong ‘cause life is not so hard anymore. Work used to leave me exhausted, frazzled and empty. I’m feeling guilty, but I don’t want to go back to that.”

Does this sound like you? Your life doesn’t not have to be an adrenaline filled, exhausted, joyless checklist. Maybe you’re just like this client who in her haste to pursue her destination she forgot to enjoy her journey.  Is the life you are living, worth the life you have given up to have it? Here are three easy steps to get off your unsatisfying unhappy hedonic treadmill.

Step one:

Ask yourself how you define success in these four areas?

Career

Is my spirit bigger or smaller than my job?

Family and home life

Am I creating a home of happiness, health, hope and memories?

Health and Well being 

Are my health habits creating or destroying my infinite possibilities?

Spirituality 

What is my purpose? Am I using my gifts to make a difference?

Step two

Identify your values (if you need assistance, you can use these value cards). Values are the north stars of your heart. If your value is family and you work until 7 pm most evenings you may be overwhelmed and overeating to compensate.

Step three

Identify your top two “shoulds” and wants in each area.

Shoulds versus wants

• Shoulds
• Based on things you ought to want.
• Based on shame, duty, guilt or obligation.
• Externally prompted by society, your boss, your spouse or your ego.

Wants

• Based on things you feel are important and fulfilling.
• Based on who you are and are full of life and joy.
• Internally prompted by your values and what matters most.

My attorney client was on the “create success at all costs treadmill.” She realized her schedule did not match her values of family, or health. She gave up her management role, got divorced and gave up feelings of guilt associated with not using her law degree. Is she happier? You bet.

She states, “This is what life is about…living life to its fullest and to be in control of my actions. I love my life again.” 

Everyone wants to be successful and happy. Happy people have a purpose. They live on purpose and have a reason to get up in the morning. They align their life with their values and what matters most. When you discover your purpose and live your life based on your values, I guarantee you will be happy. Remember success is not the secret to happiness. Happiness is the secret to success. Today, is the day to choose to get your life back!  Better get busy! We would love to hear on our blog how you got your life back.