As a life coach my job is to support people in finding happiness, which leads to success. Most people believe that, “Someday in the future, when I have success, then I’ll be happy.” It doesn’t work that way. In fact, I just started working with another extremely successful client who builds and sells companies. This person has all the recognition and success and still isn’t satisfied with life. With further examination, it is clear that she does not have the 3 habits of happiness and success integrated into her life.
Habits of thought determine your reality.
Your life is ultimately the habitual thoughts you have about yourself, others and situations. Your thoughts determine your point of view, which determines what actions you take. If you view skydiving is dangerous, then you will avoid sky it. The reverse is true as well.
Your habitual thoughts are formed either intentionally or unintentionally. Most of habits are formed early in life for the sole purpose of getting along easier in life. But they become outdated and no longer functional.
After coaching more than 8000 people to achieve happiness and success, it has become clear that few people have ever examined their habitual thoughts about life. If you fit into this category, then consider that you are not living life on your own terms. I would like you to consider the idea that your life is being guided by viewpoints that you never consciously chose. Your unexamined, habitual point of view creates an invisible ceiling that blocks you from achieving true happiness and success.
Here is one of two habits you can consciously chose, that will alter the course of your life, remove that invisible ceiling and propel you towards the happiness and success you desire.
Habit #1
Gratitude. Studies have shown that gratitude is the key to happiness. Yet gratitude is almost counter intuitive. The mind, which I call The Drunk Monkey, is focused on matters of survival and getting ahead in life. If you pay attention to the talking in your head, then you will notice that it is generally not positively focused. Most of my clients are successful and yet, their point of view causes them to feel unsettled and unsatisfied because they allow The Drunk Monkey, their mind control their focus.
Gratitude is the habit of controlling your focus and putting it on that aspects of your life that you are happy about. It’s awkward at first because The Drunk Monkey, your mind, will tell you that it is stupid or ignorant to spend time focusing on what works about your life. Today notice how much The Drunk Monkey spends it’s time worrying and avoiding potentially negative experiences. By focusing on avoiding negativity, you actually experience negativity. Today take some time to intentionally focus on what you are grateful for. By focusing on what you are grateful for, you naturally feel happier.