What makes you happy?
Walking in nature? A hug from your teenager? A wage increase? Finally releasing those 10 lbs? An introduction to the customer of your dreams? A new laptop (or colouring pencils)? Concert tickets? An organized desk? A long weekend at the cottage? Being "in the black"?
It’s important to know what makes you happy and pursue that, and for more reasons than you think. For instance, research indicates that people who are happy are 31% more productive, 30% more likely to increase sales, and are 300% better at creative problem-solving. Happy people often live longer, too.
While happiness is purely a state of mind – anyone can be happy at any time if they decide so – happiness has triggers and challenges (things that clearly make us happy and that which detract from it.) I believe happiness is often tied to goals, whether they’re stated or implied.
For instance, if your goal as a parent is to have a great relationship with your kids, then a hug from your teenager reinforces that you’re right on track.
If your goal is to see Elton John, then having the plan to attend his concert is elating.
If your goal is to be in the black, then the thought of that mortgage-burning party ignites your spirit.
But how often do we want those things to happen and they simply don’t? Even though they make us happy, are we not inspired enough in the “worthiness” category to achieve them? How can we reframe that intention to totally own our goals and live “happy”?
Aha! ~ Replace “goal” with “promise”.
Hailey Patry, Your True Happiness Coach, asks this question: what would you prefer to hear from your mate, “I’m making it a goal to be faithful to you” OR “I’m giving you my promise to be faithful to you”?
Exactly!
Now we’ve learned that to achieve your goals you need to see them very clearly and get emotionally involved with them. That puts you in the vibration to attract exactly what you need to achieve them. “Happiness radiates like the fragrance from a flower and draws all good things towards you.” ~ Maharishi Mahesh Yogi
So what if you made a clear, unequivocal commitment to yourself to achieve deserved happiness through your promise of self-fulfillment … one element at a time?
Hailey suggests that you need to make way for your happiness by scheduling it and expecting it. That means identifying time and energy saboteurs then delegating them, hiring them out, or simply deleting them. Clear the slate for the really meaningful agenda items that serve your higher purpose and your happiness.
Happiness lies in the joy of achievement and the thrill of creative effort. ~ Franklin D. Roosevelt
The effort of happiness is so worth it.
More on Hailey here: www.TheLiftedLid.com
Jae M. Rang, MAS Strategist, Speaker, Author, Mom | 
