How to Face the Problem of Happiness
The problem with happiness is sadness demands attention.
When you’re unhappy you know it. You tell your friends. You complain at work. You barely notice when you’re happy. No one phones a friend to say, “You got a minute. I’m happy and I want to talk it over with you.”
4 Reasons we don’t enjoy happiness:
#1. We don’t appreciate happiness when we’re waiting for ecstasy.
#2. We have good days and think nothing of it. One bad thing happens and life sucks.
#3. We compare ourselves with exaggerated Facebook and Instagram posts. Comparison ends happiness.
#4. “Want” minimizes enjoyment. The things we want cause us to despise what we have. We want new cars and houses. We want bigger incomes. We feel we deserve better even though we’re already rich. There are poor people in the world and chances are – if you’re reading this – you aren’t one of them. By the way, poor people experience happiness!
7 ways to enjoy happiness:
#1. Remind people they’re happy.
Begin conversations with, “What’s going well?” Or “What’s working?”
#2. Lower your standards. Enjoy a good day. Don’t wait for exuberance to enjoy life.
#3. Establish gratitude triggers. Put a sticky note on your bathroom mirror.
#4. Fake smile.
Force yourself to smile on the way to work. Wave at drivers who think you’ve lost your mind.
#5. Laugh.
I like standup comedians. What makes you laugh?
Make someone else laugh. I filled the toothpaste tube with water just to surprise my wife.
#6. Enjoy work.
It’s not the best job, but why let an imperfect job make you miserable. If you’re going to do it, enjoy it!
#7. Focus on the journey.
Sir Edmund Hillary – the first to climb Mt. Everest – plotted a way to climb a mountain that neighbored the summit where he stood.
Sadness isn’t a virtue.
How could you enjoy happiness today?
Read, “Flourish,” by Martin Seligman
Dan, this post makes me happy! Thank you!
🤩
Yes. Gratitude and happiness seem to go together. Being thankful will fuel happiness. Look what God has done! And I agree with you about being rich. The median household income in America places that household in the top 10% of global incomes. But we don’t feel it because we’re surrounded by people like us or those who may be doing even better. Comparison steals joy….and happiness.
Regarding gratitude. My personal experience with a daily gratitude list is it doesn’t work. However, the practice of seeing and appreciating the good around us then I’m doing OK. In that sense gratitude and happiness walk together. I wish you well.
Great reminder! Made me start singing, “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.” In my head of course because nobody wants to hear me sing 🙂
The song may seem frivolous, but I find it a powerful truth. With a little thought, we can identify the only things we should worry about. They are the things we have some control over.
This is wonderful. An attitude of gratitude, even if the only thing you can think to be grateful for is that you woke up today, can start your day on a positive note. Every huddle with my team, I ask the team to share a gratitude, and we don’t move forward until at least one person shares. One person sharing often leads to someone else. Gratitude is contagious!!!
Gratitude is contagious. 😍
OMG! Yes! I have to keep reminding myself that the daily ‘regular’ happy days are in fact really good.
Your comment made me think, If you aren’t having a bad day, it’s good. If you don’t notice if the day is good or bad, it’s good. Assume you’re having a good day and be happy. Thanks
Happiness is an inside job. Life is a drop in the bucket compared to eternity. Be the joy and bring it to all you encounter!
Powerful insight. Happiness is about us.
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