Everyone wants to enjoy a happy and more productive life. You probably have a few thoughts on the topic. Here are my five simple secrets that show you how your life can be happy and more productive.
“Sometimes it’s the smallest decisions that can change your life forever.”
Keri Russell
How to Enjoy a Happy and More Productive Life
If you want to enjoy a happy and more productive life, the best advice is to keep it simple. There’s no need to overthink it. Besides, we all love easy solutions. The easier they are, the more likely we will adopt them and be successful in whatever we’re after. Or with achieving heartfelt hopes and dreams.
Only do what matters.
On any given day, we’re hit with nonstop demands on our time. Of course, there’s the bottomless pit of hard-to-discern-what’s valuable on the Internet. But there’s also the time drain from:
- Work
- Home
- Entertainment
- Invitations from friends and colleagues
- Junk mail
- Spoof robocalls
No wonder it’s increasingly challenging to dedicate time to yourself. Here is an incredibly valuable suggestion: Prioritize everything you must do. Only give weight to what matters most and what is essential to accomplish today. The advantages are:
- You’re less distracted.
- Daily stress drastically decreases.
- You find pleasure in completing important tasks, projects, and pursuits.
Instead of letting others dictate what should matter to you, ensure you are the only one who chooses. When you control what you deem important, you take the first proactive step to simplify your life and enrich today’s precious 24 hours.
Happy and Productive Life: Love what you do.
No doubt, many of us have been in dead-end jobs. Our economic circumstances sometimes force us to take and keep whatever job is available. But, resigning yourself to being less-than-satisfied with your financial livelihood is a clear route to unhappiness. What you want is a happy and more productive life.
How do you get there? When you love what you do, every day is filled with opportunity, hope, discovery, and purpose. Even major or minor challenges will not dampen your enthusiasm, diligence, willingness to take risks, or ability to forego immediate gains for long-term progress.
My Story
When raising two small children, I took an entry-level job in the purchasing department of a major automaker. I did very well there, earning two college degrees at night. My supervisors offered me a promotion to buyer, but I declined. After hearing about an opening in public relations, I interviewed and got the position. At last, my college education would pay off. Every day flew by. Several promotions later, I rose to the executive level.
Granted, it takes imagination and a solid plan to see past a boring or unfulfilling job. How do you get beyond this, leave depression behind, and enjoy a happy and productive life?
Start with a mindset adjustment:
- Do your best with everything you do, no matter how menial. It doesn’t matter if it’s considered drudge work, a job no one else wants, or one that’s beneath your talents.
- How you meet challenges is a testament to your creativity and problem-solving, which will serve you well wherever you go.
- Offer suggestions when asked in company meetings.
- Become an expert in your area so people look to you for answers.
It’s by loving your part in excellence that you widen your sphere of influence, expand your horizons, and go on to bigger and better things.
Engage in your passions.
What gets you excited? These are things that you can’t wait to do. Excitement stems from your passion. And passion is what makes life extraordinarily rich and rewarding.
What I love is a lengthy list of pursuits and hobbies. These include reading, writing, gardening, traveling, trying new recipes, mastering a difficult challenge, and always learning. When I’ve deprived myself of my passions, I’ve suffered the consequences. There’s no point in telling yourself that you can do this another time or that you shouldn’t waste time, for tomorrow may never come.
Take Time for Yourself
You don’t have to take all day to do what you want for free or playtime. Take some time for yourself and enjoy life’s simple pleasures.
- Watch that comedy.
- Stroll through the mall and check out exciting sales.
- Linger on the nature trail to notice what’s changed since last you were here.
- Engage in continuous learning to always reach the next level, expand your horizons, and make new friends.
Happy and More Productive Life: Be true to yourself and your values.
When you live by your values, you are living with integrity. No one can take your values from you, although many people hide their beliefs and are afraid to live according to their core values. Herd mentality never serves anyone well, least of all the person of integrity.
If you must buck the trend to be true to yourself and your values, isn’t living in harmony with what you believe worth it? It is much more life-affirming to live what you think than to exist otherwise.
Brief Law School Detour
Among the many instances where I was torn between my beliefs and values and doing what others considered appropriate was when I took the exam to get into law school. I’d be financially secure, respected, and productive as an attorney. I tested well and started classes. But I hated every minute. That career choice was short-lived. I realized I wanted to write and find a career where I could use my talent.
Share your joy with others for a happy and productive life.
Spreading your enthusiasm and showing your happiness and joy can be contagious. If you are happy and filled with enthusiasm, others notice. Your positivity:
- May cause them to rethink their outlook for today.
- Encourage them to believe that things may be better than they thought.
- Your optimistic attitude can potentially improve others’ moods.
- Being around you may affect others’ subsequent interpersonal exchanges and actions.
Besides, living with joy is a simple way to increase your ability to live a happy and productive life. This recommendation only has an upside.
