http://joys.net/32666/the-happiness-track-how-to-apply-the-science-of-happiness-to-accelerate-your-success-2/ Bringing Joys and Happiness Fri, 13 Mar 2020 09:48:42 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.5.2 http://joys.net/32666/the-happiness-track-how-to-apply-the-science-of-happiness-to-accelerate-your-success-2/#comment-32504 APJ Tue, 17 Jan 2017 19:12:32 +0000 http://joys.net/32666/the-happiness-track-how-to-apply-the-science-of-happiness-to-accelerate-your-success-2/#comment-32504 Great information presented accessibly and practically.

]]> http://joys.net/32666/the-happiness-track-how-to-apply-the-science-of-happiness-to-accelerate-your-success-2/#comment-32503 Andy Hedges Tue, 17 Jan 2017 18:44:27 +0000 http://joys.net/32666/the-happiness-track-how-to-apply-the-science-of-happiness-to-accelerate-your-success-2/#comment-32503 Time to get the ‘L’ plates out and take a new test.

]]> http://joys.net/32666/the-happiness-track-how-to-apply-the-science-of-happiness-to-accelerate-your-success-2/#comment-32502 Reading and Musing Tue, 17 Jan 2017 18:33:38 +0000 http://joys.net/32666/the-happiness-track-how-to-apply-the-science-of-happiness-to-accelerate-your-success-2/#comment-32502 In The Happiness Track, Emma Seppala In The Happiness Track, Emma Seppala, (a Ph.D. from Stanford) notes that in today’s society, we strive for happiness and success, but often find both unattainable. We learn that in order to be happy, we need to be successful.We grow up believing that we need to find a passion at a young age, focus solely on this passion, and work ourselves to the bone so that we can become masters in this field. We tell ourselves that the stress, anxiety and exhaustion that we feel as the result of our work-horse mentality, only means that we’re on the right track.But Seppala argues that the reverse is true — that in order to be successful, we need to be happy. In order to be happy, we need to take care of ourselves; focusing on our mental well-being, taking necessary work breaks, and remaining mindful and present throughout our every day lives.Through scientific studies, anecdotal notes, and interviews, Seppala explains just how happiness lends itself fully to success, and provides concrete methods for improving our personal day-to-day happiness factors.My colleague loves mindful meditation. He gave me this book as a result of multiple conversations about this practice, and while this book is unlike any that I would normally choose for myself, I truly enjoyed it.The chapters (and my thoughts on each) are as follows:1 – Stop Chasing the Future. Seppala notes that we’re taught to always be looking forward. We’re never able to appreciate our achievements, because as soon as we come close to reaching our goal, we’re already looking to make progress on the next goal. We miss out on the good things happening around us now.She’s right. The timelines and deadlines I’ve arranged for myself throughout the years are innumerable. I’m organized and I like structure, so I set goals, and deadlines in all facets of my life. As soon as I finish one thing, I have ten other tasks lined up. I never feel fully at ease in my day, because I’m always looking to make headway in endeavors I haven’t yet reached. It’s stressful, and I’m always tired. It’s no way to live.2 – Step Out of Overdrive. Seppala states that we need to slow down. The United States is one of the most stressed out privileged nations in the world. Our anxiety costs us billions of dollars per year. 70% of mental health doctors’ visits are due to anxiety and stress. This is unfortunate, but it’s not any one person’s fault. It’s the result of a society that values competition and around-the-clock work over our health and mental well-being.I make jokes all the time about other people contaminating me with their “contagious” stress. Turns out though — I’m right! When you’re stressed, or anxious, your pheromones project this into the air. Others can literally catch your stress. No wonder Americans suffer from such significant mental health issues! And yet, we stigmatize those who reach out for help with a callous “Buck up. It’s not that bad.” No. Don’t “buck up.” Get help. You should feel welcome to take care of yourself without judgment. Our attitudes are conflicting and nonsensical.Our unhealthy need for competition, and desire to always be “on” leads to absurd amounts of multi-tasking. Because we spend so much time multi-tasking, we make mistakes, and never fully commit to the task at hand. By slowing down, we’ll not only make less mistakes in the work we do, but we’ll enjoy each task more, and feel less aggravation and stress.3 – Manage Your Energy. Only put your energy toward things that really matter. If the task doesn’t require all of your energy, then don’t give it all of your energy. Save your high intensity emotions for things that require high intensity.4 – Get More Done by Doing More of Nothing. I found this chapter so interesting. Seppala discussed how some of the most influential and innovative people of our time came up with their life-changing ideas. Guess where their bouts of genius didn’t occur? At work. In their email. In a staff meeting. Sure — these people worked hard, and tended to their emails, but they also took time out for themselves. They golfed. They fished. They took vacations. In doing these things, in giving their minds rest, they were able to recharge and rejuvenate. Then, because their brains were awake and fully functioning, they were able to tap into their creativity, and create world-altering inventions. It makes sense.5 – Enjoy a Successful Relationship With Yourself. Be nice to yourself. We live in a society that demands perfection — and we’re horrible to ourselves when we don’t achieve it.Think about how terrible you feel when someone constantly belittles you. Isn’t it awful? So then, why constantly belittle yourself? It’s not helpful. Accept your mistakes and your shortcomings, and move on.Also, allow yourself to indulge in…

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