Happy, happy, happy, we all want more happiness in our lives but do we really know how to get it? When working with our clients we do talk about all areas of health and wellbeing but one topic most forget (and we love to bring up all the time) is the need to consciously create a plan for happiness. You might even call it the “Happiness Plan”.
Many of us happiness seekers have read self-help books, listened to podcasts, and watched videos, but yet you still don’t feel much closer to creating the JOY you desire. If this sounds like you, don’t worry, just keep reading.
As an executive you know the importance of having a solid action plan for work projects, which is exactly what we are about to propose for your life as well. Without a plan the world around you will fill up your time with all the things they need, without you making the desired progress towards the things you want. You end up wasting a lot of energy but unfortunately don't move the “happiness needle”. With all that said, I'm outlining 3 steps you can take to create your very own, unique “Happiness Plan.”
Step 1: Write down everything that makes you happy.
It is crucial to take time to think. We recommend you take out pen and paper or your tablet, and spend time contemplating all aspects of your life that could make you happy. Ideas will likely include things like...
Family and friends: Whom do you enjoy spending most of your time with? Who supports and uplifts you and is always in your corner? Who can you uplift and share your love with? In short, determine the list of those relationships that are most important to you.
Hobbies and 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? Are you intrigued about learning something new? Often we say we don't have time for hobbies, creativity, or 'play time', but most often it's those moments that bring laughter and the best memories that make a good life.
Movement: What type of physical movement do you enjoy? Is it indoors or outdoors? Do you prefer to be alone or with others? What sports did you play when you were a kid? Do you love to dance, yoga or a hike out in nature. Listen to your heart and see what it wants to explore. Don't worry about time constraints right now, just dream for the moment.
Creating memories: What is on your bucket list? Where have you always wanted to travel to? What would make your son or daughter so very happy to do with you? It's simple moments of connection, with others, cultures, or nature, that most often create memories. What are those moments you still hope to create? Write them down.
Self-care: What would bring you JOY? Do you want more space to sit in alone in quiet? Do you need more snuggle time with your husband? Do you need more 'going out' time testing out new restaurants? What would serve your mental wellbeing? Write it all down without censoring it.
Your Health: Is there any health issue in your life that is holding you back from living a life full of JOY? Then let's address that right away. The good thing is that you feeling happier in your life is directly connected with your health. More laughter leads to less stress and therefore a healthier body.
Want to consider all of the categories we talk through with all our clients? Check out this list of 'Rays of JOY' in this PDF document.
Step 2: Expand your thinking and determine what great looks like for you.
If you don't feel like expanding on each of the categories you wrote, maybe start by highlighting all the things you wrote down that stand out the most and start to expand on those ideas.
For example, if you are looking for more fun in your relationship with your husband, what exactly does that look like for you? Be specific what you would look like being the best wife to your husband, and what you would love to get more of in your relationship. By the way, you might find our 3-part blogs series "21 Strategies to Rekindle You Relationship" interesting.
Or if you said that you want to spend more time with your best friend, what exactly would that look like? Are you looking for more phone calls, more coffee get-togethers on Saturday morning, or something else?
If you said you want to be out more often in nature, what exactly what great look like? Is that a walk around the block, or a bike ride to the local park, or the short drive to the mountain close to you?
In short, get specific about the most important things that bring you JOY and start feeling the excitement!
Step 3: Create your Action Plan
1. Now fill in the blanks:
What would be a good date to do your desired activity?
What will you need to do the activity? Need to buy materials, tickets for the concert or show, sign up for a training classes, or organize other aspects?
Think about what could derail you and already create a way to overcome to challenges today (e.g. do you need a baby sitter, what happens if it rains, etc.)
2. Create reminders on your phone to not forget to do things on your Happiness Plan. I have a reminder on my phone to think about the things I'm grateful for each night. Maybe you have a reminder or block on your calendar to go for that walk each afternoon. Without reminders you won't do it. It takes time for new ideas to become habits, so give yourself all the support so you can succeed.
3. Block out time on your calendar. You might have blocks on your calendar for specific events, but maybe also have a block on your calendar every month to think about your “Happiness Plan” for the following month. Unless it's on your calendar others will hog that time...so claim it for yourself!
I love this quote from Nelson Mandela: “There is no passion to be found in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living,” 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. 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.