The Definition of a Happy and Successful Life

Where does your Happiness definition come from?

From a young age, we each develop our own definitions of happiness from our parents and grandparents. These perceptions are often shaped by conditioned development, influenced by repetitive inculcation from parents, teachers, and society. As a result, few of us have truly considered what specifically makes us happy. This feeling is often left to our subconscious, allowing us to experience happiness based on the situations we encounter.

I believe the pandemic has reset our happiness meter. The time spent alone with our thoughts and away from work has disrupted society in ways that few have seen in generations.  No longer are we accepting that working in an office for 40 to 50 hours a week is normal. No longer are we slaves to work in hopes of a future retirement.  Many young people now want to work remotely and have more of a personal life, away from work.  The internet and our constant conductivity online has enabled a change in life and happiness for many people.

What brings you happiness?

Many small things can bring us happiness. For instance, the mere thought of shopping or spending money can excite us and make us feel happy. Opportunities and new ideas have a similar effect. This excitement often leads us to imagine scenarios related to these events. For example, the idea of going on vacation after receiving a bonus at work not only excites us but also prompts us to plan and envision the holiday. We can feel blissful even before the vacation begins! However, once on the actual vacation, the initial excitement tends to diminish as we start feeling content.

The same pattern applies to objects. We may eagerly anticipate purchasing the latest smartphone, laptop, or car. But once we own these items, the excitement fades quickly, and their appeal diminishes. The cycle of excitement starts anew when another new product is launched.

Let's pause and reflect on our concept of happiness. Is it limited to acquiring the latest objects? Does it end with the fulfillment of our wishes? Is our happiness confined to spending good times with family and friends? We often get so caught up in this cycle of desires that we forget to recognize what true happiness is and how it can be achieved. What is common about happiness is that it is all in our mind. Happiness in our mind and not actually about a vacation or our latest purchase.

 

Life Coaching and Motivation for a Happy, Successful Life

The definition of happiness varies for everyone, as everyone has unique minds. For some, happiness comes from achieving a successful career. For others, it is the fulfillment of personal goals and objectives. Some find happiness in bringing joy to the lives of the less fortunate.

However, not everyone has an easy path in life. Factors such as income, education, family, environment, society, and friends all influence our sense of happiness. We may not always have the financial means to fulfill our desires, or our careers may not progress as smoothly as planned.

• How do we respond to these challenges?
• Tthey deflate our hopes and excitement, or do they renew our aspirations, clarify our visions, and motivate us to move forward?
• How do you react when things don't go as planned?
• Most importantly, is your reaction appropriate, or do you need to change your attitude and perception?

These are just some of the questions that can be answered during a self-coaching or guided coaching session. Understanding your underlying mindset and what inspires you to move toward is key to a happy life.  Coaching can help you bring this to the forefront and take action to improve your results. Accomplishing SMART goals can bring you happiness, so start today!