This is not a simple question, take a moment to really reflect on it. Then ask yourself another question. Would you like to be happier than you are right now?
Why is happiness so important? Happiness is directly related and aligns to our physical health, mental well-being, and over all longevity. It requires us to be aware and address our reactions, actions, habitual behaviors and patterns that impact the degree of happiness we experience.
A tremendous amount has been written and researched about Happiness and yet, we may feel it eludes us. The How of Happiness, written by Sonja Lyubomirsky, found in her happiness research that, there is a good chance that you would like to be happier. In fact, numerous studies show that 54% of American adults are moderately mentally healthy but not flourishing, and they want to be happier
What is Happiness?
Happiness is not a something that can be reached like a met goal checkbox. Nor does it mean you are in a state of euphoria, with a big grin on your face saying everything is wonderful. Life offers a plethora of experiences; celebrations, wins, losses, tragedies and more. It’s about relationships starting with yourself having a sense of well-being. It involves loving, nurturing ongoing focus and attention, and a trust in life that is bigger than any circumstance.
Happiness has different meanings for different people and often described as having positive emotions and life satisfaction. For me, this has been an ongoing process upon which I have taken baby steps to support myself to be happier. Noticing my thoughts… and by putting my energy and attention on them brings more awareness… giving me opportunities to reframe my thinking. My conscious actions, bring me more joy, happiness and aliveness.
Based on Shirzad Chamine’s book, Positive Intelligence, “the Judge” serves as a common denominator, a “universal saboteur” for all of humanity. At times, I notice the thoughts that are more judging of myself and others. These thoughts can sometimes keep me stuck in old habits or patterns of judging, procrastinating or people-pleasing. You may have other saboteurs that you resonate with as well. When I consciously choose to take care of myself with central channel breathing, increased exercise, choosing healthier foods and reframing to a more expansive positive thought, I feel more relaxed, going with the flow of life, finding an inner peace, contentment, satisfaction and gratitude.
How can I change my Happiness set-point?
According to Marci Shimoff, New York Times bestseller of Happy for No Reason, we can change our level of happiness. Using science-based research, Shimoff includes powerful tools and practices for the reader to raise their awareness and consciousness of being “happier from the inside out”. I love her analogy of referring the happiness set-point to a thermostat we use in our home. Just as we can change the temperature in the room, we can change our level of happiness.
Imagine a pie chart. Studies have shown that 50 percent of our happiness comes from our genetics. The remaining 50 percent shows only 10 percent of our happiness set-point is determined by circumstances such as level of wealth, relationship status and job. The other 40 percent is determined by habitual thoughts, feeling words and actions.
Good news…. by deciding to change the habits and patterns that no longer serve us, it is possible to change the happiness set-point! Up until now, any of the addictive thoughts and habits which gravitate to worry, stress, over-spending, over-eating, drinking, controlling, avoiding, people pleasing, being a victim, all contribute to looking externally outside of ourselves for short term fixes to acquire happiness.
Ever feel you have everything you need and still feel unhappy?
Frequently, we are hooked into our old beliefs and stories, and/or those of others. Often people will respond by saying if they had more money. Have you ever paid off your credit cards with the intention to cut them up? Sometimes, a year later you may find you are back to where you were before, if not a bit more? Why is that? You have not changed your thoughts about inner wealth and happiness and are still being driven by that outside of you.
Studies show those who win the lottery most often return to their original happiness set point a year or two later! Why is that? They loved the experiences and the possessions they acquired, yet, if they were not aware of their patterns of thought up until that moment of winning, such as; not enough, money being the answer to everything, feeling in a state of lack and fear, they miss out on the inner state of happiness and freedom. When one shifts from fear-based thoughts to loving oneself more every day they open their mind, heart and soul to greater expansion of life and trust in the universe.
What is one habitual thought or behavior,that you know for sure, if you were to change or omit from your daily life would bring you greater happiness and satisfaction?
Email me and let me know! I look forward to supporting you to re-setting your happiness set-point for greater happiness, fulfillment and inner peace.
