365 Ways to Live Happy (11 page)

Motivational speakers will tell you there are a number of good habits that you can implement to aid in your pursuit of success. Start by establishing three new habits and then expand the number to seven or even more. These successful habits might include:

• Learn to manage your time and not waste it.
  

• Be curious and have a desire to always be learning.
  

• Practice self-discipline because your motivation and work ethic depend upon it.
  

• Always follow through and complete what you start.
  

• Be of service to others.
  

• Do the right thing; show your integrity.
  

• Keep your word.
  

Cultivate a sense of enthusiasm and joy, then notice how you are suddenly attracting exactly the kind of people — helpers, mentors, investors, and guides — you need for success.

You may want to start your own company, but aren't sure when is the best time to launch it — next week, six or seven months from now, five years out? Tasks and time lines often go together. You've heard of the proverbial expression, “getting all your ducks in a row.” Ask yourself, what ducks will I need to line up in order to launch? Make a list of specific actions to undertake and items to prepare or acquire. Then plug your list into a calendar and get ready for the launch date.

Having a mentor can put you on a fast track in your job or propel your career into liftoff. Just asking someone to mentor you suggests to others that you are eager to move ahead and that you may even be an overachiever. In fact, if you have a career or job with various aspects that require special skills, why not seek out several mentors, one for each specialized area? Some career strategists believe that mentors are vital if you desire to rise quickly through the ranks. Plus, they can be wonderful allies as you pursue your dreams. A bonus is that both protégés and mentors seem to benefit from such relationships.

Your guiding principles are those that reflect your core beliefs and guide not only what you do but why and how you do it. Try to list five principles that you use to guide you in your work or career. For example, do you expect others to demonstrate ethical behavior? Do you believe in being open and transparent? How about being flexible, innovative, efficient, and effective? Do you value diversity in your treatment of all people? If your guiding principles and those of your company are in alignment, you are likely to be much happier on the job than if they are in conflict.

If there's a project that you are itching to take on, then make it happen. Start with a discussion with a trusted colleague or supervisor who is empowered with the knowledge necessary to limit or expand the scope of the project and who knows what is needed to get a go-ahead. Then dig deep, do the work, write a project proposal, and volunteer to oversee it from start to finish. Your passion will be the driving force to manifest the project and your creativity and drive will ensure that your managers and bosses take notice. A self-starter with a “can do” attitude is an asset to any company.

This may seem like an exercise in negative thinking, but it isn't. In fact, it's just the opposite. In order to move forward, you have to know what holds you back and then figure out how to deal with whatever it is. For example, you are always over budget and behind schedule on projects assigned to you. Figure out why that is and what specific steps you can take to ensure it won't happen again. If the problem is lack of knowledge, take some critical education classes, refresher courses, or find other ways to learn more about your field. If you are in a management position and are chronically late to meetings, don't possess great conflict resolution skills, or are not a people person, you may want to consider shifting into a different job. Working on a job that you enjoy will increase your levels of happiness.

In college, you may have had a clear idea of where you wanted to be three to five years after graduation, but have you considered it since? Now is as good a time as any to create a chart for your new career goals. Use the chart to outline each step and put a date beside the steps. You may find it easier to work on this by starting with your ultimate goal, say in five years, and then working back to the present. Do this exercise when you don't have other matters clamoring for your time and attention; your career deserves your focused and thoughtful consideration.

You think you've got public speaking at your workplace nailed, but if you have any doubt or believe that there's always room for improvement, seek help from organizations like Toastmasters. Toastmasters International, in particular, has clubs and groups worldwide. You are bound to find one in your area. At meetings you can meet other people like yourself who are interested in being comfortable and capable of speaking spontaneously or doing more formal presentations, but you can also work on other leadership skills such as thinking and listening. Serving on a volunteer basis in a group like Toastmasters can help you learn more about public relations, organizing meetings, running contests, and conducting membership campaigns. Additionally, you'll be meeting people just like yourself who are motivated to succeed in their lives. You might even talk a coworker or two into attending with you.

The work you do is satisfying, but you want recognition for those big accomplishments and milestones. Use the law of attraction to draw to yourself the fame you desire. Before you retire for the night, take five minutes to clear your mind. Focus. Use your imagination to create a scenario in which you are receiving accolades, praise, and ovations by industry leaders, your business colleagues, and others. Now, add your emotion to your imagined scene. Concentrate on your emotional feelings and mood as you listen to the words spoken by others about your achievements and accomplishments. Your subconscious doesn't know real experience from imagined. According to the teachings of the law of attraction, you just have to believe the experience can be yours and supercharge it with emotion in order to manifest it in your life. Let those happy feelings permeate your dream and your time at work.