What happens when you decide to do something and are totally committed to it? Perhaps it’s a trip, perhaps it’s renovating the house,
or have you ever witnessed a bride organising her wedding? It takes complete priority, it gains their absolute attention and focus. When you’re dedicated to seeing something through and making it happen… it happens. Obstacles and challenges become insignificant as you’ve committed to the course of action. It’s a given that it will be completed!

So what of all the other things in your life?

When was the last time someone mentioned to you that they were working on becoming happier? It sounds almost crazy doesn’t it, but let’s think about it for a minute. How many things in life are we making a priority simply because we think they will lead us down the path to happiness when in truth none of those things give us happiness; they simply give us a better environment in which it is a little easier to become happier.

Let’s take a look at what I believe happiness is and what it isn’t!

  Happiness isn’t a new boat
  Happiness isn’t a fancy house
  Happiness isn’t designer clothes
  Happiness isn’t massive diamonds
  Happiness isn’t having a big flat screen TV
  Happiness isn’t the latest gadget
  Happiness isn’t a whopping bank account
  Happiness isn’t being the boss
  Happiness isn’t hard to find

Well then, what is happiness?

  Happiness is having a purpose in life
  Happiness is being able to enjoy the moment
  Happiness is loving and being loved
  Happiness is giving, sharing and connecting with other people
  Happiness is making a difference
  Happiness is the ultimate measure of success
  Happiness is having no regrets and learning from experiences
  Happiness is continually improving the quality of your life
  Happiness is available to everyone, regardless of age, race or religion

Reading through this list, how did you feel? Did you agree with everything or were some things a little tough to take? Chances are if you’ve been saving for a boat or diamond ring, it’s going to be harder to come to terms with the fact that they don’t give you happiness. They are simply symbols, items and things. Happiness is an emotion, not a thing!

“Happiness is the meaning and the purpose of life, the whole aim and end of human existence!” -  Aristotle

I want to be really clear about this, I’m not saying that money or material things are bad. In fact, I believe the purpose of having money in abundance is so we can help those that are less fortunate. I’m sure there is a social obligation we each need to fulfil. Imagine when you have a million dollar a year income, how many people across the globe can you help, support, nurture and encourage. Money is simply a tool, much the same as time or energy or knowledge can be used to help or indeed harm, so too can money!

So where is Happiness on your List of Priorities? Do you think Kelly Slater got to be the number one surfer in the world by having surfing as a ‘like to’ and not a ‘must’ on his list? Kelly’s entire focus is on surfing, that’s how he got to be where he is in the world rankings. I put it to you that if happiness is indeed important to you, and I sure hope it is, then it’s time to make it a priority!

On 30 October I’m offering a two-hour workshop on Discovering Happiness, so if you have decided to make Happiness a Priority, then book in for this now. Numbers are limited and places are filling up fast. It will be a great start to help you on your journey towards creating a happier life!

There is also an audio CD available on ‘Discovering Happiness’ which will be on sale on the night of the workshop for $22, or if you can’t make it please email me to order your copy.

If you’re really ready to step up and start living life and need a little assistance to get started, please give me a call on 4296 9331 or email me and we can work on it together. If you like what I’m writing or would like to give me some feedback, I’d love to hear from you. Shoot me an email at jodie@advancedcoachingsolutions.com.au