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.

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Sadness isn’t a virtue.

How could you enjoy happiness today?

Read, “Flourish,” by Martin Seligman

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Previously Published on leadershipfreak with Creative Commons License

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