Today everything changes!

Shawn Achor’s TEDx video has long been one of my favorites. And though I’ve paid lip-service to it and it’s principles, I’ve never really, fully implemented them. His research has yielded an amazing approach to happiness, that’s the exact opposite of how most people perceive it. We think: “when X happens, then I’ll be happy.” But as soon as X happens (new job, met sales goals, business reached profitability, new house, new social goals, etc), we push the goal out again, and enjoy very little happiness over what we’ve achieved.

Sean’s research flips this on its head: if we’re happy now, we’re happy regardless of success. Interestingly, happiness not only contributes to our overall well-being but also enhances our chances of success. According to his findings, happier individuals tend to be more creative, productive, and socially accessible, making them more influential in their personal and professional lives. This creates a positive feedback loop where happiness breeds success, and success further enhances happiness.

But how do we become happier? Shawn’s research has yielded some very concrete, daily practices to reprogram our brains for happiness. These practices are simple yet powerful, allowing anyone to incorporate them into their daily routine. For instance, the practice of noting 3 Gratitudes encourages us to reflect on and appreciate the positive aspects of our lives, no matter how small. Journaling about 1 positive experience from the past 24 hours can help reinforce our focus on the good, fostering a more optimistic mindset.

Incorporating 10 minutes of exercise into our day can significantly boost our mood by releasing endorphins and promoting a sense of accomplishment. Additionally, practicing meditation for just a few minutes can help clear our minds and reduce stress, enabling us to better handle the challenges we face. Finally, engaging in conscious acts of kindness, such as sending a message of appreciation to someone, not only brightens their day but also enhances our own feelings of connectedness and fulfillment.

Remarkably, four of these five practices can be completed in two minutes or less. In total, you can accomplish all of them in under 20 minutes each day. I think 20 minutes is totally worth it to cultivate happiness!

Sean recommends committing to these practices for 21 days to effectively reprogram your brain toward a happier state. I’m personally aiming for 30 days (because I can be a little slow sometimes). Who wants to join me? I believe having a support group where we can all track our progress in one place would be incredibly beneficial. We can share experiences, offer encouragement, and celebrate each other’s milestones along the way.

If you’re interested in participating in this 30-Day Happiness Challenge, please comment or message me! Let’s embark on this journey together and discover the transformative power of happiness in our lives.

Shawn’s research has yielded some very concrete, daily practices to reprogram our brains for happiness:

• 3 Gratitudes (write 3 things you’re grateful for)
• Journaling (1 positive from the past 24 hrs)
• Exercise (10 minutes)
• Meditate (clear your mind, so you can stop multitasking)
• Conscious Acts of Kindness (send a message of appreciation to someone)

4 of the 5 can be done in 2 minutes or less. In all, you can do all of this in less than 20 minutes each day. I think 20 minutes is totally worth it to be happy!

Sean recommends doing these things for 21 days to reprogram your brain. I’m going to do them for 30 (’cause I can be a little slow sometimes). Who wants to join me? I’d love to have a support group where we all track our progress in 1 place and share experiences, support, etc.

Comment or message me if you’d like to join me in a 30-day Happiness Challenge!

For more details and explanation of these ideas from Shawn, check out his “Talks at Google” appearance: