Is our happiness set by our disposition? - How much control do we really have over our happiness?
- Why does it seem as women have more choices, we are becoming less content with our lives?
- How can we become happier?
Marcus Buckingham has written a number of pieces for the Huffington Post on this subject and has recently released another terrific article that explores the subject What the happiest and most successful women do differently Do some of us have dispositions that just lend themselves to being more readily happy? Yes, according to some research done on the subject. “The greater part of our happiness or misery depends on our disposition and not on our circumstances.” Our research certainly confirmed this. The women who could answer positively to the questions above had, on some level, simply decided that they were going to be happy.” Upon reflection of those women I know, I suspect that there is some truth in this with some people being more naturally able to look positively at their lives and what it throws at them. While others who seem to have it all, sometimes are not able to enjoy it and appreciate how fortunate they are.
Some of the ways it appears we can be more happy is to focus on the moments that we have, enjoying the here and now. Others include ‘accepting what you find’, ‘striving for imbalance’ and ‘learning to say yes’. I particularly like the last one, learning to say yes. When we think learning to say no is the problem, the truth is as we get older we don’t say yes to enough of the good stuff in life. Too many of us (myself included) pass up opportunities to do those terrific things because we are tired, don’t have time or don’t want to move out of our comfort zone. These are often the times we can experience those great moments, yet we deprive ourselves of them. I always remember my grandmother who is a very active woman in her late 80’s saying that you should never pass up an invitation as you never know when or if you will get asked again! She certainly continues to live her life to the full and is someone who I admire for her energy and thirst for life and her ongoing positive and happy attitude no matter what life dishes up.
This is an interesting article that offers some great research, suggestions and a start towards bringing more happiness into your life. Something I don’t think we can every have too much off. To read visit What the happiest and most successful women do differently
Share your thoughts, stories and tips around the topic of happiness.
