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Success is not measured by money, but by happiness. When we are happy, we positively influence our environment. So says clinical psychologist Sherry Campbell. She offers 12 ways to become happier — and therefore more effective.
Happy leaders create happy teams by infecting employees with positivity and productivity. Here’s what they do for it.
1. Smile
Starting every working day with a smile is so easy… or is it? What if you got up on the wrong foot? Force yourself to smile — find something to laugh at and feel your stress levels go down and your motivation go up.
2. Show endurance
On the way to success, we face difficulties. But problems and obstacles are not the end of the world, but an opportunity to show what you are capable of and what you are worth. By confronting difficulties, you become stronger, acquire new skills and knowledge, and therefore increase your chances of success.
3. Take action
Success, like happiness, is the product of our actions. Aspiration multiplied by action gives high productivity. So, if we focus on success and work hard for the result, sooner or later we will become successful and happy.
4. Exude optimism
Optimism is a conscious choice. To be happy and productive, you need to set yourself up for the best. An optimistic outlook on life reduces stress, increases energy levels, gives inspiration and hope.
5. Appreciate the little things
In order not to lose motivation and inspiration, it is important to learn to enjoy simple things. Morning hugs from a loved one, compliments from colleagues, a good parking spot, and delicious coffee help you stay productive. If we feel gratitude for what we receive, life and career are successful and bring joy.
6. Help others
An effective way to cheer up is to do something nice for another.
7. Love what you do
People are most productive when they do what they want, not what they are forced to do. When we are passionate about work, it becomes a passion, and financial rewards are a nice addition.
8. Build Strong Connections
Someone who connects strongly with a small group of people is more productive than someone who communicates superficially with many. The more support we receive, the more energetic and self-confident we become, which leads to increased productivity.
9. Learn to listen
Learning to hear and accept those who are not like us, we become wiser, insightful, open.
10. Chat offline
Although electronic communications are convenient, happy people prefer face-to-face communication. By meeting offline, they feel connected to others and become more productive.
11. Practice a «digital diet»
Telephone conversations often provoke stress and increase pressure, and prolonged work at the computer leads to overwork. You need to take a break from the glowing screen of your computer and phone.
12. Go in for sports
Physical activity reduces the likelihood of anxiety, stress and depression. The hormones that the body produces during exercise give a feeling of joy and help to relax. The more active the lifestyle, the better we feel and we have more energy to be productive.
About the Author: Sherry Campbell is a clinical psychologist, psychotherapist, and author of Loving Yourself.