June 4, 2023

“Happiness does not come from doing easy work but from the afterglow of satisfaction that comes from the achievement of a difficult task that demanded our best.” – Theodore Isaac Rubin

If we wait until life is “perfect” and just the way we imagine it should be, we will likely never experience true happiness. 

This post from two years ago, which is updated with some new material, reminds us that happiness is an internal choice that we can make right NOW, if we are willing.

May 22, 2021

“Success is doing what you said you would do, consistently, with clarity, focus, ease and grace.” – Maria Nemeth, Life Coach and author

I recently read a short, impactful description of what it takes to be “happy” that I would like to share with you today.  It’s by Debbie Powers, an athlete, coach and author and Professor Emerita of Wellness at Ball State University.  It was published by Body Wise International:

“Happiness Now”

By Debbie Powers

“We often convince ourselves that life will be better after we lose ten pounds, change jobs, get married or retire.  Or we’ll be happier after getting a new car, having that baby, or the kids growing out of the teenage years. It goes on and on.

Life will always be filled with challenges, so it’s best to admit it and decide to be happy anyway!  If not now, when?

Consider a quote from Alfred D. Souza.  He said, ‘For a long time it had seemed to me that life was about to begin – real life.  But there was always some obstacle in the way, something to be gotten through first, some unfinished business, time to be served, or a debt to be paid.  Then life would begin. At last it dawned on me that these obstacles were my life.’

This perspective reveals that happiness is a journey, not a destination.  Control what you can with your diet, exercise and other health habits.  Keep your body fit and strong.  Then treasure the moments that you have.  If you are constantly waiting for Friday night, summer vacation, graduation, or paying off the house, you could be missing a lot of living.  Happiness is within each of us. Live today!”

As a Personal Success Coach, my job is simply to help my clients reach their Big Goals – whatever they are.  Some want a fitter body, others want a new love, more money, or a fulfilling career. Many of my current clients want to build a successful business. I give them tools and strategy and accountability and encouragement to pursue all those goals.

While I do not want to see anyone postpone going after their heartfelt dreams, I also realize that we must never postpone experiencing happiness by waiting for those dreams to manifest before we allow ourselves to feel “successful.”  Pursuing Big Goals gives life drive, spice and meaning.  The drive to strive for more is inherent in us as human beings. But the formula for a successful, happy life isn’t “push and strive until you get what you want.”

Debbie Powers recently wrote another post with helpful tips for creating more personal success and happiness for yourself:

“Tips for Happiness”

By Debbie Powers

“1) Change your thoughts. You have full control of your thoughts. Sadness produces more sadness. Positivity produces more positivity.  Enthusiasm produces more enthusiasm. Etc. etc.

2) Surround yourself with positive people. We become who we hang around. Attitude rubs off – both positive AND negative.

3) Think of what you are grateful for.  The simple act of expressing gratitude contributes greatly to a positive outlook.

4) Do something that you love doing. We all have things that make us happy – read, walk, listen to music, dance, go fishing, watch a movie, play tennis.  These experiences reinforce happy thoughts.

5) Relax.  Sometimes a negative mind is one that is bombarded with commotion. Take time to rest, nap, meditate, or reflect.  A calm state of mind attracts positivity.

6) Create a memory bank.  Replaying and savoring happy memories in your mind has a calming effect. 

7) Laugh. Laughing is like “internal jogging.” Laughter and its subtle companion, humor, can produce psychological relief from tension, anxiety, anger, hostility and emotional pain.

Life is currently throwing curveballs to many.  For health and wellness, your own mindful actions can make a difference. For most of us, happiness is totally up to us.”

I personally believe lasting happiness comes from this: Strive to do and be your BEST each day.  Keep your word to yourself and others. Be proud of each day’s big or little achievements.  Own each day’s failures and learn from them.  Be fully present to your life and everyone in it every moment.  Strive to be kind in all circumstances and to lend someone your ear or a helping hand each day.

COACHING RESULTS

“I have been coaching with Caroll off and on for six years….Most of all, Caroll has given me the gift of mindset and has taught me the small, simple tools to use in my daily life that make me a more grateful, well-rounded and successful human in all areas of my life.” – Ashley M., direct sales Team Leader

I want to be of service to YOU and your friends, colleagues and loved ones.  To schedule a F*R*E*E* no-obligation one-hour Success Breakthrough Session by phone that will help clarify your Big Goals and get you into ACTION on making them a reality, please email me while I still have openings at caroll@practicalprosperitycoach.com

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