The Pursuit of Happiness in the Workplace – Sharissa Sebastian

 

The pursuit of happiness is defined as a fundamental right in the Declaration of Independence to freely pursue joy and live life in a way that makes us happy.

I love that. But as great as it is to have the right to do this, how many of us are actually intentional about pursuing our own happiness? Yes, everyone would love to be happier, but have you ever taken a moment to determine what that means for you?

This first came to me while I was on a flight from Dubai to Dallas about two weeks ago. I was listening to an interview with the UAE’s minister of happiness, Ohood Al Roumi. I had no idea that happiness even had a place in government, and I was intrigued by what this meant. Al Roumi’s role is to drive government policy to create social good and satisfaction by understanding what makes citizens happy and making changes at a government level to increase their nation’s happiness. Only time will tell what effect her role will have on the people.

But as exciting as these changes are, the point of this article is not to examine happiness initiatives in the public or private sector. Instead, it’s to encourage us to take personal responsibility for our happiness, especially in the workplace.

On average, we spend 90,000 hours at work during our lifetime. So doesn’t it serve us to be proactive in making our happiness there a priority? Studies show that happy people are less stressed, get promoted more frequently, and are more creative, productive and healthy, just to name a few benefits.  

How often do we not only define our own happiness but become intentional about pursuing it? This is 100% in our control.

Here are some factors to consider when it comes to being happy at work:

1. Is your work environment conducive to your happiness?
2. Do you feel that you’re included in discussions that are important to you?
3. Do you feel that your boss and team have your back?
4. Where do compensation and benefits rank on your priority list?
5. Is flexibility in your work schedule and time off important to you?
6. How much does your relationship with your boss and/or co-workers have to do with your happiness?
7. Is your work meaningful? Do you feel like it has value and you’re making a difference?
8. Do you prefer working for a company that supports professional development and growth?
9. What percentage of your work do you truly enjoy doing?

Years ago, I conducted a survey with one of my teams, and I was surprised to find that No. 2 and No. 3 on this list ranked higher than any of the other factors.

I encourage you to add your own happiness criteria and rank each item. Then ask yourself how your current job aligns with what brings you joy. If it doesn’t, what can you do about it? Maybe you can work on your professional relationships, chat with your boss about taking on more meaningful projects, or ask him/her what it would take for you to get a promotion or raise. As I mentioned, being happy is 100% in our control. We determine what makes us happy or how to be happy despite our circumstances.

Here are some ways to do that:

1. Find reasons to be thankful. As Tony Robbins says, you can’t be fearful and grateful or angry and grateful at the same time. This means when you’re truly focussed on being grateful, it’s not possible to simultaneously focus on being angry or fearful.
2. Find ways to learn or help others. Look at every event or interaction as an opportunity to learn, grow and perhaps help others in a more meaningful way. What would happen if you asked yourself, “What’s great about this?” and “What can I learn from this?” from a place of genuine curiosity, no matter how difficult the situation is? This shifts your focus from the problem or unpleasant situation to openness, creativity and clarity, which makes it easier to make a better decision.
3. Be intentional. One way to start is by doing the exercise I mentioned above. Start taking control of your own happiness, and if where you are does not support you, despite your best efforts, it may be time for a change. Action starts with awareness. Once you create awareness, you can become intentional about making a change. Without consciously making that decision to seek happiness, it becomes challenging to see the opportunities and experience the level of success you want.
4. Volunteer. According to Happify, 94% of people who volunteer selflessly say it improves their mood. When we feel like we are part of the greater good, we start to feel more valued, which in turn can create that sense of purpose and feeling of happiness. Here’s a great source for exploring different volunteer opportunities.
5. Practice self-care. To feel valued, we need to start by valuing, respecting and taking care of ourselves. Taking time to do things that make you happy and help you recharge and feel re-energized is a big part of this. When was the last time you did something nice for yourself or appreciated yourself for the amazing person you are?
6. Surround yourself with what makes you happy. This includes happy people. As business philosopher Jim Rohn said, “You are the average of the five people you spend the most amount of time with.”

Find happiness where you are, but never stop pursuing what sets your soul on fire. Go well in pursuit of your happiness.

Reprinted from: Forbes – https://www.forbes.com – 5.8.17