by Linda-Ann Stewart
Many people chase after the elusive dream of success,
thinking it will bring them happiness. They work harder and harder, but continue
to feel unsatisfied. They achieve periodic goals or milestones, and get transitory
elation from them, but that jubilation doesn’t last. What if they have it
backwards? What if a sense of well-being leads to success, rather than the
other way around?
We all know successful people who are driven and unhappy. So,
it’s true that some people are successful even though they’re miserable.
However, they’re using work as a drug to avoid their distress. They’re trying
to fill a deep well of insecurity and inadequacy with power and control. But they’ll
never have enough success to feel happy or complete.
Why Well-being
Matters
Studies show that people who have a sense of well-being and
optimism have a likelier chance of achieving the success they seek. They also
have a greater sense of satisfaction in their lives, both personally and
professionally. They’re more productive, creative and resilient in life. Since
that’s the case, wouldn’t it be a better idea to seek well-being before
success?
Your brain and subconscious can be altered by your focus.
When you take positive actions, you rewire the brain and build more resources for
the subconscious mind to use to help you. You can improve your happiness and well-being
with some simple exercises to change the way you think.
How to Cultivate a
Sense of Well-being
You can train your mind with the habit of being more
positive and peaceful. Here are four ways to cultivate a sense of well-being
and create more satisfaction in your life.
Be kind to others.
Volunteering and helping others engenders well-being and improves
productivity. Even just smiling at
others increases your happiness. Recently, a couple of my friends have been
sending cards to their acquaintances and they feel uplifted by doing so. I’ve
been one of their recipients and it’s uplifted me as well. For this kind of
boost, you can also send an email that acknowledges or compliments a friend or
coworker.
Be mindful. For
only a couple of minutes a day, just be present with yourself. Notice how you
feel, mentally and physically. Become aware of your thoughts and feelings. Scan
your body to notice where it might be tense, and then relax that area. Because
I spend so much time on the computer, I will periodically close my eyes and
relax various areas of my body. What impacts the mind, impacts the body and
vice versa. When your mind is tense, so is your body. And when your body is
relaxed, your mind is at peace.
Do deep breathing.
A couple of minutes every day do some deep breathing. Breathe in for a count of
four, breath out for a count of eight. This signals your nervous system to calm
down. After stressful experiences, practicing this activity has quickly lowered
my blood pressure to almost normal. This is a good exercise when you feel
pressured with a deadline or decision. You’ll be more effective coming from a peaceful
frame of mind.
Keep a gratitude
journal. Every day, write down three things you’re grateful for. This
exercise makes you notice positive things around you. One day last month, a heavy
rainstorm came and passed while I was in the grocery store. It seems like a
small thing, but I was grateful that my timing was such that I didn’t get wet.
Studies show that within three weeks of daily gratitude practice, you’ll be
more optimistic.
You only need to do one of these each day to notice an
improved mood and mindset within a few weeks. When you have a sense of well-being
and a more positive mindset, your actions have a better outcome. Instead of
waiting to be successful to be happy, why not feel better while you’re working
towards success?
Affirmation:
The Universe created me to be successful and supports me in my endeavors. There is a Divine plan for my success in life. Everything I need for success is provided. To align myself with the Universe’s plan for me, I cultivate my sense of well-being, happiness and positive attitude.
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