The Pursuit of Your Happiness

The topic of happiness is a major theme these days for individuals and business. You can read about how to get to happiness in business and self improvement blogs, in business and consumer magazines, and now talk show hosts are picking up the idea.

I am sure its popularity has something to do with the economy and many are seeking an anecdote to depression. Coaches and psychologists and copywriters must have all reached the same conclusion at the same time that that people are ready to target in on a more positive approach to living.

Positive psychology is making a big footprint with the science of happiness for entrepreneurs because optimism and cheerfulness have a definite measurable effect on the bottom line. A second reason is that thinking positively can be learned and strengthened and that will help businesses survive and even grow.
For instance, beginning and ending meetings with praise rather than criticism gives a more upbeat lasting impression to employees or clients. Apparently, happiness is like a muscle; you have to learn how to use it and use it you must or you lose it.

Some of you may remember psychologist Abraham Maslow and his pseudo-scientific career coaching books that were quoted for decades. Positive psychology is a little bit different. There is actually research including brain-scanning technology. Many of the studies state that positive emotion increases creativity and problem solving ability and aids in fighting stress. I for one can attest to that theory. When I am optimistic I am very open to change and that translates to possible creative moments. In fact, that iss when I do my best writing and arrive at some of my best ideas for myself and my clients.

You can now earn degrees in positive psychology. The University of Michigan offers a PhD in Positive Organizational Scholarship and Case Western Reserve University grants MBAs in Positive Organizational Development.

Offering praise is a major guideline for encouraging a positive environment where you work or at home. Your staff are more likely to be resilient in crises and your boss more receptive to new ideas.

In case you are not convinced, a report published in the December issue of the British Medical Journal concluded that happiness is contagious. The twenty year study found that happiness is not just an individual experience but one that is strongly influenced by your social network and physical proximity to others who are happy. The conclusion: if you want to be happier, spend time near happy people.

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