How many times have you said ‘when I earn more/ reach my goal weight/ find the perfect man – then I’ll be happy’h We tend to delay our happiness until we feel we have achieved all our goals. But a better strategy may be to learn to be content now, no matter what our circumstances, and this may just lead to a better outlook and achievement of our goals, too.Try these simple strategies to find contentment at any life stage:
Savour the little moments
We often think our happiness is tied to what we have. We think our dream house, car, clothes, gadgets or stuff/ will bring us lasting happiness. But the satisfaction we get from material items is fleeting and ego-based. It is quite different from real contentment. You’ll know the feeling of true joy – when it wells up in your heart and spreads throughout your body. It’s the feeling when your soul says ‘yes!’ And it’s not often found in tangible items. For you, it may be sharing a tub of ice-cream and a feel-good movie with a dear girlfriend, watching your child sleep, or riding your mountain bike through the forest. Such moments increase the release of endorphins to your brain and actually begin to break negative thought patterns and subsequent negative behavioural patterns.
Do the things that make you happy
This may sound obvious, but we spend so much time doing things out of obligation, that we don’t have time for the people and activities that bring us joy. How many sentences did you start today beginning with: I must, I ought, I have to, or I shouldI Set yourself a personal challenge and for one week swap one ‘should’ activity for one ‘want to’ activity. You’ll be amazed at how much better you feel.
Accept the status quo
Stress and anxiety arise when we think things should be different from how they actually are. We absolutely should have goals and dreams, but we shouldn’t let them take over our lives and alter our perception of reality. Iti is only when we accept a situation for what it is that we cancan we begin to change the outcome.a You may find peace in moments of great stress through acceptance – knowing that there’s nothing you can do about it – and by knowing that these trials pass.
Appreciate what you do have
It’s so important to take mental stock each day of what you do have. Most of us are blessed with good health, loving friends and family, choices and opportunities, and the resources to live comfortably. It’s impossible not to feel uplifted and content when you look around at all the positive, beautiful things in your life.
Remember why
When things seem difficult I go back to my underlying vision for my life and what I’m trying to achieve. This either gives me the strength to continue or courage to let go of the situation causing me pain. It’s very useful to remind yourself now and again of your ‘big picture’, your long-term life goals. This often puts in perspective the smaller events in life, and reminds us that we’re still going in the right direction.
Happiness and contentment are manifested internally and that in turn will carry change through to the different spheres of our lives. And the best part: being content first may just help you to achieve your goals. So start within, and start today!
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