How To Be Happy
“How do I be happy?” I got asked this by a coaching client the other day.
Happiness is something that we work on a lot in coaching and the definition is different for each and every person.
Let’s face it, it’s a subject that’s been pondered over for as long as we’ve existed.
For Aristotle, Happiness depended on acquiring a moral character, where one displays the virtues of courage, generosity, justice, friendship, and citizenship in one's life.
For Plato, a life committed to knowledge and virtue was the way.
Nietzsche argued that happiness is not found by default, but is achieved as the result of hard work.
And one I love, from Socrates "The secret of happiness is not found in seeking more but in developing the capacity to enjoy less" — Socrates, lived in 450 BC
I could go on!
So what does that famous philosopher Tracy Forsyth think?
Well, this is my version and for me and what I can see of the people I work with, it’s having the following things in your life:
Happiness is:
Doing the things you enjoy
Having the impact you find meaningful
Being in an environment in which you thrive
Having the presence / companionship of people (or living beings like dogs!) you love
And
Living & breathing your values
In other words, being you. Being fearlessly you.
So if you are wondering how to be happy, have a think about those five things.
I think half way to happiness is defining what those things are. Then you can go in pursuit of them.
Let me know what you think. And if you need help, get in touch.
Tracy
