How to Increase your Happiness by Snowden McFall

Increase Your Happiness with Three Easy Steps

Many people believe that when you get to a certain level of income or achievement, that you will be truly happy. However, research at Harvard University shows just the opposite. You need to be happy first, and then the success and accomplishment will come.

Why is this important and how does it work?

Americans are extremely stressed. 80% say they are burnt-out and 50% need help managing their stress according to the American Psychological Association. Stress is the antithesis of happiness, and dramatically decreases your likelihood of being happy or successful.

The latest research on happiness is that the most successful people are happy first. Our brains are actually predisposed to work at maximum creativity, resilience and effectiveness when we are in a state of relaxation and joy.

Here are three quick techniques for increasing your happiness:

Celebrate your successes- large and small. Create a victory wall to post your achievements of any level- articles that have been published about you, goals achieved, races you’ve run, charity work you participated in, family achievements, etc.

Find something to look forward to. It might be a weekend away, an upcoming conference, a vacation, or special time with friends. In one study, people who just thought about watching their favorite movie had an increase of 27% in endorphins (the ‘feel good’ hormone)- just from thinking about it. Every time something stressful occurs, think about what you are looking forward to and shift your state of mind. It works!

Look for evidence that what you do makes a difference. Believe that your actions, either directly or indirectly improve the quality of people’s lives with your product or service, through the loving way you raise your family, or the kindness you extend at your charity work. People who have a sense of purpose about their lives are much happier.
 

Snowden McFall, professional speaker, trainer and author, is the owner of Fired Up Keynote Speaking. She has written 5 books, including Fired Up!, which has sold  63,000+ copies, and her new book Stress Express! 15 Instant Stress Relievers. An expert on stress and motivation, appeared on 320 radio shows, CNN Financial News, The Home Shopping Network, Bloomberg Television, Success Magazine, Investors Business Daily, and foxnews.com. She was named National Women in Business Advocate of the Year by the Small Business Administration and was honored at the White House and Congress. She can be reached at www.firedupnow.com