Is your glass half empty or half full?
It’s a question of perspective. Do you know instantly how you would answer that question? Or do you hover between the two, not quite wanting to be one way or the other but instinctively knowing which one you really are. When you ask yourself this question you are basically summing up the way you measure your levels of happiness and satisfaction. Do you look at life as though your glass is half empty? Only noticing what is missing or do you think your glass is half full; crammed with all the good things that you have in your life.
Satisfaction and happiness are interlinked, yet it often seems easier to measure how satisfied you are rather than how happy you are. Satisfaction can appear to be easier to achieve than happiness yet when you think about it, if you are satisfied with the result of something you become happier in that area.
Happiness is unique.
It is possibly the only thing that is sought for itself; people want to be happy. There are various things that you almost certainly seek to have within your life that you think when you have them they will make you happy or at least go towards making you happy. The only reason to have happiness is to be happy.
Happiness is an attitude.
It is a perspective that can be applied to the way in which you measure how satisfied you are in any or all areas of your life. It is possible to be happy in one area of your life and yet still feel unhappy with others, similarly you may feel happy with one area of your life and that spills over and makes you feel happy as a whole.
Happiness is a choice.
I have spoken before about how we choose our response in any given situation. It is also your choice whether to be or remain unhappy or whether you want to create steps and find ways to bring more happiness into your life. You can choose your perspective on happiness and be open to allowing in more of the things that make you happy. Recognise when your glass is half full. If you already see your glass as half full, what would make it overflow?
So how can you change your perspective and allow more happiness into your life?
1. Discover what makes you happy
What really makes you happy? Take some time to think about the day to day things that make you feel happy. Remember times when you have felt really happy in the past. Look at the different areas of your life. What makes you happy in your career, relationships, health or environment? Note the things that currently make you happy, even the really tiny things. Is it getting all your work done? Having enough money to pay the bills, spending time with friends or singing out loud in the shower?
2. Increase your self awareness
Tap into your feelings and you will recognise the things that make you happy. If you don’t know what it is that makes you happy; how will you know when you are? By telling yourself that life would be better if you were happy or that all you want in life is to be happy and yet not recognising what it is that makes you happy, you will never feel as though you are successful. The goal posts will forever be moving. Define what makes you happy and you will notice its existence more often. After all – we get what we focus on.
3. Find your passion
What are the things that you are good at? Where do you feel most authentic? Find ways to pursue your passions even if it is only in the smallest ways and you will find that your happiness levels build up from a sense of connection with your true self. Understanding your values can help you to tap into your authentic self. If you haven’t done so already work through the values section of the e-course that came with your newsletter subscription or read my article on values elicitation to help you understand your core values.
The Law of Attraction tells us that we are magnets and we attract what we give out, practise thinking positively and focusing on the things you want from life and you will start to feel happier, healthier and more at ease with yourself. Why not give it a try and surprise yourself! |
