There are several roads to becoming happier. You can focus on increasing
positive feelings, for example, by engaging in more pleasant activities. You can
clear up negative emotions about the past. You can make an effort to develop an
optimistic attitude. A simple step such as becoming more mindful of the small
yet positive events that happen daily can contribute greatly to feeling happier.
Research indicates that there are five key strengths that lead to experiencing
more happiness: gratitude, optimism, zest, curiosity, and the ability to love
and be loved. We also have evidence to suggest that counting your blessings,
using your strengths regularly, and expressing gratitude can increase happiness
(Seligman, 2004).
And so it appears that there are definite steps and actions that one can take to
feel happier. This begs the question: Is happiness what one should aim for? Or,
is the real goal having a good life? Asking “How can I be happy?” is the wrong
question because it ignores the distinctions between pleasure, gratification and
fulfillment. A truly good life must have more than just pleasure and happiness.
It should also include gratification and meaning.
Working with your personal life coach can help you to identify your strengths
and develop an action learning plan. You can have a happier, more meaningful
life, one that is not only pleasant but that is genuinely a good life.
This is a synopsis of an expanded article called In Search of the Good Life,
available for purchase for $57 with full reprint rights.
The full 1,000-word article contains the following concepts:
The Roads to Becoming Happier
The Pleasant Life
The Good Life
Gratification and Meaning
6 Basic Virtues
24 Strengths
Identifying Your Strengths
Working with Your Coach
Here are the order links:
Article with full reprint rights $57: To order click HERE
3 Article Nuggets with full reprint rights $64: To order click HERE
All word lengths are approximate.