Happy, Happy, Happy, we all want more happiness in our lives but do we really know how to get it? Well, at JOYVIAL, we work with clients coaching them in areas of health and wellness and one topic we discuss with most is the need to consciously and actively create moments of happiness. We realized in our one on one sessions that having an actual “Happiness Plan” can be so very helpful when increasing your overall happiness.
Many of us happiness seekers have read tons of self -help books, listened to podcasts, watched YouTube and TEDX videos, yet we still don’t feel much closer to creating the happiness we desire. If this sounds like you, don’t worry…we have a plan for you and best of all…it works!
We all realize without an action plan for a big project at work or home we will likely not make much progress, so why don’t’ we do the same for our LIVES? Not having a plan means just “flapping in the wind” and either not taking action steps forward or wasting a lot of energy as you spend time doing things that aren’t that important or move the “happiness needle” in your life. So, we all want to move that needle, right… then it’s imperative we create a deliberate and strategic plan for success. Read on for the four steps to creating your own unique and individualized “Happiness Plan.”
Step 1: Know your WHY
One of the first steps in creating your happiness plan is to know your WHY. According to self-help guru and renowned author, Simon Sinek, your why comes from looking over and reviewing your past events that had a big impact on you. In other words, what events/persons/places or things contributed to your happiness in the past? This leads us into the next step.
Step 2: Write down everything that makes you HAPPY
It is crucial to go inward, take out the pen and paper, spend time contemplating and writing out all aspects of your life that make you happy. Ideas might include the following:
> Family/Friends: Whom do you enjoy spending most of your time with? Who supports and uplifts you and is always in your corner? Who do you miss when you haven’t spent time around them? Who do you instantly feel happiness for when you think of them?
> Hobbies/Creativity: What do you enjoy doing? What did you like creating as a child? What things would you want to do if you had an extra hour every day to do whatever you wanted?
> Physical Activity: What type of physical movement do you enjoy? Is it indoors or outdoors? Do you prefer to be alone or with others?
> Travel/Creation of Memories: What is on your bucket list as far as places to see and visit? Where have you always wanted to go? What are some of your fondest memories as a child, where were you?
> Spirituality: Do you take time to meditate, pray and/or get quiet? Do you enjoy this time alone? How do you feel it enhances your overall wellbeing? Would you like to have this time as a regular part of your day?
> Your Health: What is your overall health like? What would you like to improve?
> Any other categories you feel add to your happiness?
Step 3: Expand on each category and think about what GREAT would look like for you in the next 12 months.
> For example, two of my categories are “Have More Fun” and “Mind/Body” connection. So I would expand on these two elements and write them in the present tense for greater emphasis on doing them now versus down the road.
> Under the “Have More Fun” category, I included things like "I attend live concerts at least three times this year." and "I take at least two 3-4 day road trips to decompress and discover new places."
> Under the “Mind/Body” category, among other things I added "I go for walks at least four times every week, even if they are short walks." and "I take supplements daily."
Step 4: Create your Action Plan – what will it take to accomplish your goals and how will you be accountable?
> Create reminders on your phone: Having actual reminders (alarms with notations) daily are one of the huge keys to the success of your plan.
> Time block your calendar to create the actual plan: Set aside the time to craft your “Happiness Plan.”
> Block your calendar for the actual activity or event: Make sure to block out your calendar for the actual completion of the task otherwise you will fill this time with other things. Your “Happiness Plan” must be a priority and one of the best ways to prioritize is to block out the time.
> Look at your plan weekly so you can keep it top of mind and make sure you've set yourself up for success.
We love this quote from Nelson Mandela on our website that says, “There is no passion to be found in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living,” – I couldn’t agree more. You are worthy and capable of living an extraordinary life…but it takes commitment to elevate your own needs among the needs of everyone else…and that’s more than okay, it’s the only way that you, and everyone around you, will truly thrive.
Are you ready to create your “Happiness Plan” and would like help achieving it too? If so, click the 'Contact' button in the top right corner or simply send us an email to info@joyvial.com to schedule your free discovery session.