Recently, our team had a chat about happiness during a culture onboarding session with Bryan Trilli. The talk began with a focus on “tangles” and how they relate to happiness. Bryan shared a story about an article he found on the “happiest man in the world,” which made us all wonder what happiness really means and how we can achieve it.
The conversation took an interesting turn when we discussed the idea that being successful doesn’t automatically make you happy. Instead, being happy might just be the key to becoming successful. This got us all thinking about what happiness and success really mean to us.
Everyone had different opinions. Some said that you could be successful without being happy, pointing out that there are plenty of rich people who aren’t content. Others believe that success is more about feeling fulfilled and happy with what you have in life.
We also talked about what we can do to be happier. The team brought up many ideas, like being thankful, spending time doing things we love, connecting with friends and family, helping others, and finding a sense of community.
One part of our discussion focused on the importance of family and community in feeling happy. We agreed that the people we care about and our connections with them play a big role in our happiness. But we also recognized that happiness is complex and can be influenced by many different things, including our genes, how we see the world, and what we think success looks like.
In summary, here’s what we learned about happiness:
- Success vs. Happiness: Just because you’re successful doesn’t mean you’re happy. But if you start with happiness, you might find success in many areas of life. Cultivating a happy mindset can lead to success in various life aspects, challenging the traditional success-first approach
- The Importance of Mindset: Keeping a positive outlook and focusing on what makes you grateful can make a big difference in how happy you feel. Regular practices of gratitude and mindfulness can significantly enhance one’s sense of well-being.
- Connections Matter: Having strong relationships and feeling like you belong can boost your happiness.
- Doing Good Feels Good: Helping others and being involved in your community can make you happier.
- Enjoy What You Do: Taking time for activities you love can help increase your happiness.
Quick Tips for a Happier Life:
- Cultivate Gratitude: Take time each day to reflect on things you’re thankful for.
- Stay Present: Try to focus on the here and now instead of worrying about the past or future. Practice mindfulness and meditation to enjoy the current moment.
- Connect with Others: Build and maintain strong relationships with family, friends, and community.
- Find Joy in Helping: Engage in acts of kindness and volunteerism.
- Pursue your Passions: Make time for hobbies, interests and activities that fulfill you personally, that excite you.
Our team’s discussion showed that happiness means different things to different people, but there are common threads that tie our experiences together. It’s not about a one-size-fits-all formula, but finding what works for you in your journey to happiness.