Research continues to show that happiness leads to success and not the other way around.
As entrepreneurs we often start this adventure because we want to fulfill a purpose, we have passion, we want to create more flexibility in our lives and deep down we believe this will make us happy.
But we can easily bump into the same problems as our corporate sisters if we approach finding happiness in metrics, milestones and outside ourselves.
When it comes to happiness in business there are at least 4 principles to keep in mind – the deeply felt needs that really promote a happy worker*.
1. Higher purpose
When you feel you are part of something bigger than yourself and your work has meaning.
2. Autonomy
The perceived feeling of control over your future and the ability to work on the projects you want to and execute on the ideas that fuel you.
3. People
You are cultivating meaningful relationships through shared experiences and these interactions are productive, innovative and enjoyable.
4. Impact
Your work impacts the lives of others and you see the value of this work in measurable, concrete and positive ways.
To me this sounds like most entrepreneurs I know! These principles drive us.
Most entrepreneurs started their businesses with exactly these four driving principles in mind so how has happiness eluded them?
Does this sound familiar?
- “I’ll be happy when I finally hit 100K fans.”
- “I’ll be happy when I launch my huge project.”
- “I’ll be happy when I finally hit it big.”
- “I’ll be happy when I’m sitting on Oprah’s couch.”
- “I’ll be happy when Nordstrom’s picks up some of my pieces.”
It goes on and one. The “Happy when____” syndrome.
We are struggling to find happiness and most of us are finding it impossible to unearth.
The positive psychology movement has shown time and again that happiness doesn’t follow success – that the opposite is true.
When we are happy then we are successful.
Shawn Achor formerly at Harvard and now the CEO of Good Think Inc. has spent years studying happiness and how there is an advantage to being happy. He travels the world working with companies to create a more positive environment (no doubt to help impact the company’s bottom line as well – because it does!).
His research has shown that engaging in one positive exercise every day for as little as 3 weeks can have significant and lasting impact on one’s life.
In this study he suggested the following exercises to choose from:
- Jot down 3 things you are grateful for.
- Write a positive message to someone in your social network.
- Meditate for 2 minutes.
- Exercise for 10 minutes.
- Take 2 minutes to describe in a journal the most meaningful experience of the past 24 hours.
Simple enough right?
Can YOU do it?
We think you can.
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