Brian Tracy teaches: “Happiness comes when you believe in what you are doing, know what you are doing, and love what you are doing.” With those thoughts in mind, ask yourself this simple question: Just how happy am I? If you are like many of us, you may find there is room for improvement in your level of self satisfaction and joy.
The good news is that every day you have the opportunity to bring more positive energy, laughter and joy into your life. Here are four simple steps you can take to help you bring even greater happiness into your life!
The FIRST step is GRATITUDE
Every day, ask yourself: What am I grateful for today? Many people like to make a written list of their gratitudes right before bed. Others like to write their list first thing in the morning. It really doesn’t matter what time of day, just so long as you take time to acknowledge and be grateful for all the blessings and good things in your life.
In his book Gratitude is the Best Approach to Life, Robert Emmons says: “I think it’s important to stress that gratitude is really a choice. It doesn’t depend upon circumstances or genetic wiring or something that we don’t have control over. It really becomes an attitude that we can choose that makes life better for ourselves and for other people.”
What that means is no matter how dark the day appears, you do have control over your attitude and, if you look, you can find something to be grateful for. We suggest you begin today. Take a few moments to consider something you are grateful for and adjust your attitude into one of gratitude. Choosing gratitude will help you bring even more happiness into your life.
The SECOND step is PRAISE
Praise is one of the most healthy and happy habits you can develop. Montreal counselor Guylaine Bouchard teaches: “Praise is the oil that greases the wheels of performance. It helps us to see the good in ourselves, to build on success, overcome difficulties, and not feel defeat by failure.”
What are you proud of today? What have you done well recently? It doesn’t have to be a big or major accomplishment. It can be something as simple as holding a door open or giving an encouraging word to another. Pause for a moment and think of something you can be proud of today.
When you take time to think about the things you did well during the day, you actually are building your self-esteem. Giving praise to yourself helps you release past pains and disappointments, as well as giving you the means to build new healthy and happy thought patterns.
Praise is something that gets even better when it’s shared. We suggest you make it a point throughout your day to give a sincere compliment to people you meet. Try saying thank you to the clerk at the grocery, or telling a child you are proud of something they did. Try it – you’ll like it!
The THIRD step is ENERGY
What could your life be like if you had high levels of energy all day every day? Just think of all the great things you can accomplish! Ask yourself: What is affecting my energy today? Answering this simple question can help you reach new levels of high energy.
When you take time to identify and resolve the issues that drain your energy, you become re-vitalized. When you find those marvelous things that give you energy, do more of them. Your life will soar to new heights of happiness and personal satisfaction!
The FOURTH step is ACTION
Elbert Hubbard said “Know what you want to do, hold the thought firmly, and do every day what should be done, and every sunset will see you that much nearer your goal.” That’s powerful advice: Do every day what needs to be done.
The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. The Great Wall of China was built one rock at a time. How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time! How do you find happiness? One action step at a time, do what needs to be done! What ACTION step will you take TODAY to bring even more joy and happiness into your world?
One of my favorite quotes is from Og Mandino: “Realize that true happiness lies within you. Waste no time and effort searching for peace and contentment and joy in the world outside. Remember that there is no happiness in having or in getting, but only in giving. Reach out. Share. Smile. Hug. Happiness is a perfume you cannot pour on others without getting a few drops on yourself.”
How true that is! Think of all the marvelous and wonderful success you and your family have to enjoy. Reach out and share those thoughts of success, love, kindness, smiles and hugs with those around you. Do what needs to be done, giving and sharing gratitude, praise and positive energies everywhere you go.
Today is a brand new day! It is a good day for you to count your blessings and live in a quiet, joyous expectation of even more good things to come. With these four simple (and powerful!) steps to happiness, GRATITUDE, PRAISE, ENERGY and ACTION, you can look forward to building a successful life, filled with happy days, marvelous adventures and dreams come true!
About the Author:
John (“Dealey”) Carpenter Dealey, International MasterMind expert, entrepreneur, philanthropist, author and self-made millionaire, is dedicated to helping people reach goals and achieve their dreams.
A mastermind success team can help you develop a lifestyle of happiness and joy. To learn how MasterMind SOARING can help you turbocharge these four steps to happiness, visit his website at: http://www.mastermindsoaring.com/
