How to Make Yourself Happy Right Now

We cover a lot of business topics for this newsletter. But really, running a successful business is about taking control of your life. And taking control of your life is about pursuing happiness, plain and simple. And yet, many business owners are so busy and focused on work that it’s easy to forget this simple question: Are you happy? This isn’t a box-checking exercise. You don’t need to ask yourself if you’ve done everything you wanted to at this point in your life. Just sit back and close your eyes and ask yourself, “Am I happy?” There is no wrong answer. But if the answer is less than a resounding yes, maybe it's worth trying to fix that. In the past decade, researchers have been combining the latest in neuroscience, psychology, and common sense to produce a range of practices you can use to boost your happiness. Want to give them a shot? I thought so, that’s why I’ve provided a few of the best below. Of course, a high-quality diet and exercise will help (in fact, a big dose of activity can make you feel happy almost immediately), but the following practices are ones you might not have heard of yet. Gratitude: This is one of the most powerful tools you have. Pick a time of day, like during your morning routine, to sit down and write out five things you are grateful for. They can be as simple as the taste of coffee or as big as your child’s smile. Over time, this practice trains your brain to remember the good things in life — even when you’re dealing with the hard stuff. Clean Your Living Space: Our mood and surroundings are deeply linked. When we live in places that are messy, it can make our thinking more chaotic. Try cleaning up your living space. If you want a big shift, you can even rearrange furniture for a major improvement. Complement People: One of the big mistakes a lot of us make is thinking that our happiness is all about making ourselves feel better. Set a goal of giving three complements a day (keeping them appropriate, of course). It’s amazing what this does for other people’s self-esteem, and seeing your power to help others ends up helping you, too. You heard it here first. Now go share this newsletter with someone who can use the information. Source: 911 profit, 5/27/23.