Your Best Life Hacks to Happiness

Happy Kids make us smile

Happy Kids make us smile

Angelica, my client asked, “How do I measure my happiness? Should I even try to measure my happiness?” Short answer, yes!

Long answer, yes! Remember, anytime we want to create something new in life it requires a huge amount of work and tenacity, whether it’s racing in our first triathlon, a new position at work, or becoming a new parent. They all require a substantial and consistent energy investment.

Sonja Lyumbomirsky,  aka “the Happiness Researcher”, suggests that if you desire happiness, you need to go about it in a similar manner. She notes that becoming happier demands making some permanent changes that require work and commitment every day of your life.

As a life coach, I believe that your “happiness work” is the most important work will ever do in your life.  Have you ever seen an unhappy person get healthier and lose weight? Or how about an unhappy person loving their marriage or getting promoted at work? I have never seen an unhappy person raise their children to become successful independent human beings!

What is happiness?

Sonja Lyumbomirsky in her book (my favorite book) “The How of Happiness” defines happiness as the experience of joy, contentment, or positive well-being combined with a sense that one’s life is good, meaningful and worthwhile.  She uses the terms happiness and well-being interchangeably, noting that well-being encompasses our physical, emotional and mental health.

Half of our happiness is governed by our genes, 10% by life circumstances and the remaining 40% by what we do and how we think. Your secret to your happiness is your 40%. Think of the happiest people you know. They are the most productive and they make things happen. They intentionally create their life.

They choose to be happy. They focus on the 40% they can control.

Create Mantras

When I’m feeling unproductive, or saddened by life events or mishaps, I create mantras.

I look into the mirror and say “I choose fabulous!” This all started when my good friend, and renowned artist Georgia Kandiko, created this picture for my birthday last year. What we focus on gets bigger and bolder. This saying may seem trivial but our negative self -talk keeps us stuck and not moving forward.

When I feel like I am not moving ‘fast enough’ or getting enough done I use my Law of Attraction mantra, “I am in process.”  This reminds me I am not stopped or stuck, and any progress IS progress.

Measure Positivity

Barbara Frederickson has discovered that positivity is the secret to happiness. I use her 3:1 positivity ratio. Think 3 positives for every negative.  When I get a disappointing email or phone call or I am frustrated, I think of 3 positives.  For example, I have a husband who adores me, I am lucky I love what I do, I have the best sisters and friends who support me no matter what.

 Measure Well-Being

Well-being is the secret to productivity and happiness.  There are 7 pillars of well-being.  These pillars bring your happiness level up or down based on how you rate them:

  • Fitness
  • Eating
  • Stress
  • Energy
  • Positive Mindset
  • Life Satisfaction
  • Weight

Daily I rate my level of satisfaction in each area on a level of 1 to 10. Identify your number. Ask yourself, “What activity can I do to boost my level of satisfaction in each area?” I will tell you life feels grand when you are a ten in any category!

Happiness is liking WHO you are, WHAT you do and HOW you do it!

It begins with WHO – and your WHO is what your beliefs are about your precious life.

[bctt tweet=”Happiness does not operate in the future. There is happiness waiting for you in every moment. But you have to want it and choose it.#choosehappiness” username=”cherebork”]

Quit waiting to be happy. Our intentional happiness comes from the 40% we are in control of and it’s created by our intentional activity.  Better get busy! And yes, measure your happiness because happiness is not a luxury.

We can’t wait to hear what you do to measure and boost your happiness! You have one life to live, just imagine it is one you truly love!

I choose fabulous how about you?

Love,