Your Lifelong Happiness May Come Down to Making

BY MARCEL SCHWANTES, INC. CONTRIBUTING EDITOR AND FOUNDER, LEADERSHIP FROM THE CORE@MARCELSCHWANTES

In the world of work, it's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle, sometimes forgetting about our own happiness. However, no matter your position, rank, or career level, you have the power to create a more fulfilling work life for yourself.

Here are five practical strategies for individuals to nurture their own well-being and happiness at work.

1. Break free from perfectionism

Our culture often celebrates the idea of perfectionism, but when it shows up in the workplace, procrastination and burnout show up with it. To counter perfectionism, practice positive reframing of negative thoughts. Positive reframing is a helpful coping strategy for those with perfectionistic tendencies. By paying attention to any thoughts you find discouraging, you can learn to recognize negative thought patterns and shift. Rather than fixating on negativity, you'll bring happiness into your work by focusing on positive thoughts and solutions. 

2. Broaden your horizons

Perhaps the essence of lifelong happiness is embedded in a short quote penned by celebrated British philosopher and mathematician Bertrand Russell. In his 1930 book The Conquest of Happiness, he writes: "The secret of happiness is this: Let your interest be as wide as possible and let your reactions to the things and persons who interest you be as far as possible friendly rather than hostile."

Let's break it down: "Let your interest be as wide as possible" suggests that you should be curious and open-minded. Don't limit yourself to just one area of focus or interest. This broadens your horizons and allows you to bring diverse insights to your leadership role. 

3. Show kindness 

The second half of Russell's quote -- "Let your reactions to the things and persons who interest you be as far as possible friendly rather than hostile" -- suggests that one should approach people and situations with kindness and goodwill.

Rather than being defensive or confrontational, it is better to cultivate a friendly and positive attitude. This does not mean that one should agree with everything or ignore problems. However, starting from a place of understanding and respect is more likely to lead to constructive outcomes.

4. Embrace your authentic self

Happiness starts with being true to yourself. Take some time to reflect on your values, strengths, and aspirations. When you align your work with who you truly are, you're more likely to find joy in what you do. Imagine a workplace where everyone feels encouraged to be themselves and explore their interests and strengths. This kind of environment fosters authenticity, which is a cornerstone of personal happiness.

5. Last and most important, let love win

One of the defining characteristics of a happy and well-lived life is approaching it with an open heart and a generous disposition. When faced with bad news, anxiety, or a highly stressful situation, we often shrink back and feel helpless. Or we choose between fight, flight, or freeze as a response, usually out of fear. Fear, however, can shut out nearly everything that might help us see other possibilities to resolve the situation. It destroys our reasoning, making it hard to see things clearly.

What if we chose to let love dominate our lives and our decisions at work? In the way we lead our employees and customers? In the way we approach conflict? What if we chose love rather than fear? By letting love into our lives and giving love to ourselves and others along the journey, we can be the driving force in our happiness and well-being.

Remember, you have the ability to shape your own experience. By prioritizing these approaches, you'll be on your way to creating a happier and more fulfilling work life for yourself. Lead yourself with intention and watch your own happiness bloom.

Photo Credit: Getty Images.