Happiness…we all want it, but it sure is hard to find sometimes. Some even call happiness elusive. Maybe, however, we are just not looking at the problem from the right perspective. Could it be that we are happy but just don’t know it?
Research is now discovering (yes, they had to do a study to find this out) that most people are so focused on their future, the “big picture”, that they are often blinded to small moments of happiness, such as the goodness in kind things that people are doing for them, as well as the beauty that surrounds them right outside their window. It is an easy pitfall for entrepreneurs who seem naturally to look at the “big picture” in order to move forward with their goals.
Here are some suggestions to help experience happiness on a daily basis:
- Focus on small moments during the day that give pleasure
- Cultivate positive emotions
- Build resources that help you rebound
- Be open and flexible
- Savor the good, regardless of how small it may seem
As one practices these suggestions in their lives, they will discover that their overall mood is elevated and there is more resilience to negative events. In turn, such appreciation for small moments will enhance our “big picture” by promoting success in jobs, relationships, and even health outcomes. It seems that happiness isn’t all that hard to find after all.
For more information, access the study in the journal Emotion, or read the book written by Barbara Fredrickson, the lead author of the study, entitled Positivity: Groundbreaking Research Reveals How to Embrace the Hidden Strength of Positive Emotions, Overcome Negativity and Thrive, published by Crown Publishing, 2009.
