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A recent global survey published in USA Today indicates that the biggest happiness driver is not wealth, fame or even good looks. Participants in North America cited self-reliance, optimism and feeling good about themselves as more likely to bring lasting satisfaction. I know that having everything handed to me would NOT make me happy. I need a certain amount of challenge and to feel that I am capable. I also must be free to make choices in my life, feel connected to others and do work that reflects who I am. While some people are genetically predisposed to being cheerful or depressed, I believe that our attitude can make an enormous difference. During the last ten years, in my work on self-development I came up with a number of ways to increase my level of happiness. I later found that they worked equally well for others. Here then is what I call my eight keys to happiness. I practice them in my daily life and, as a life coach, share these keys with clients. They can work for you, too. 1. Be positive Are you overwhelmed by a sense of dread every time you try something new? Happy people focus on what is possible rather than dwell on the chances for failure. They look at the lighter side and find humour even in sticky situations. This also applies to inner judgments. Many of us are self-critical when we need to practice a little kindness towards ourselves. Observe your own thoughts what do you tell yourself about how you are handling things? Maybe you did make a mistake, but you were exhausted. 2. Give yourself credit Do you complete one project only to rush on to the next? Similarly you may meet challenges of a more personal nature, such as having a difficult conversation with a family member, without acknowledging your own effort. Its important to absorb the satisfaction from your achievements. I have a Victory Log to record all my successes, whenever I do something thats a stretch for me. I recommend that you start one as well. When you review it later, youll be inspired by what you have done. 3. See the learning When I am in a trying situation, I ask what I could be learning from it. For instance, looking after a parent with Alzheimers forced me to develop my own strength and resourcefulness. 4. Find a way to contribute Some people believe the world owes them that they are entitled to the good life and all its benefits. They become bitter when setbacks occur and tangible rewards stay out of reach. We need to ask ourselves what can I offer others? What can I contribute to my family, my community or the world at large that is in line with my skills and abilities? I love this quote by Sarah Bernhardt, a flamboyant French actress in the late 1800s, It is by spending oneself that one becomes rich. 5. Recognize and act on your values Recognizing our life values, determining how we want to achieve them and taking steps to act on them is self-empowering. When you realize that you are doing what is most important to you, your happiness level shoots right up. For example, I used to wonder why I was still single until I saw that independence and personal growth are two of my top values. Realizing this helped me to more fully accept where I was. 6. Focus on what you WANT and take steps towards it No one likes feeling stuck. It is important to know what you really want and then take some action towards it. Even if progress is slow, you will FEEL better going in the right direction. 7. Allow yourself to dream Hope is critical to our happiness, yet we often crush our own dreams for fear of being disappointed. Allow yourself to dream! Tapping into the power of your imagination will take you to a happier place and with time, you can make some of your dreams come true. 8. Enjoy lifes small pleasures No matter how stressed you are, take a break from your routine to admire the sunset or share coffee with a friend. It is the moments which make us happiest - yet how many of them slip by unnoticed? This morning I cycled on a path along the St. Lawrence River, admiring the summer foliage and the great blue herons flying over the water. I could feel the sun on my face, the breeze in my hair and the pleasure of exercising my muscles. Whether Im outdoors, working or listening to music, I find the more present I am in an activity, the more alive I feel. Copyright 2004 by Thelma Mariano Thelma Mariano, life coach and author, is dedicated to bringing clarity and direction to people's lives. Drawing on 15 years of personal development work, she helps clients to recognize their unique gifts and overcome blocks in order to achieve their dreams. See her on-line coaching programs, articles and column at http://www.u-unlimited.ca =============================================== SITE DISCLAIMER: The self help books and personal development resources on this site are not intended to be a substitute for therapy or professional advice. While all attempts have been made to verify information provided in this self help books and personal development resources publication, neither the author nor the publisher assumes any responsibility for errors, omissions or contrary interpretation of the self help books and personal development resources subject matter herein. There is no guarantee of validity of accuracy of any self help content. Any perceived slight of specific people or organizations is unintentional. This self help books and personal development resources website and its creators are not responsible for the content of any sites linked to. The self help contents are solely the opinion of the author and should not be considered as a form of therapy, advice, direction and/or diagnosis or treatment of any kind: medical, spiritual, mental or other. If expert advice or counseling is needed, services of a competent professional should be sought. The author and the Publisher assume no responsibility or liability and specifically disclaim any warranty, express or implied for any self help or otherwise products or self help or otherwise services mentioned, or any self help or otherwise techniques or practices described. The purchaser or reader of this self help books and personal development resources publication assumes responsibility for the use of these self help books and personal development resources materials and self help personal development articles and information. Neither the self help author nor the self help Publisher assumes any responsibility or liability whatsoever on the behalf of any purchaser or reader of these self help books and personal development resources materials. Self help happiness & self help books and personal development resources, self help free e-books and self help articles listed for your convenient self help books and personal development resources happiness personal development search in the self help books and personal development resources subjects of self image, self help relationships tips, self help books and personal development resources for happiness, being happy self help books and personal development resources emotion management, panic attack self help, self help for low self esteem, self help famous quotes, anxiety self help books and personal development resources, stress management self help tips and depression self help books and personal development resources. 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