The Weekly Dose - Being Happy
“Very little is needed to make a happy life; it is all within yourself, in your way of thinking.” - Marcus Aurelius
Hello,
It feels like a strange thing to think about right now. With everything happening around us, globally, politically, personally, is happiness even relevant? Is it selfish, indulgent even? Or is it, perhaps, more necessary than ever?
What do we even mean when we say we want to be “happy”? Is it a fleeting emotion? A steady state of mind? A choice? A privilege?
It’s not something I’ve examined closely before. But as I’m speaking with happiness expert Richard Clarke on the Do Radio Show this week, I’ve found myself thinking about these questions.
Richard talks about workplace happiness, but his ideas extend well beyond our jobs. We often look outward when we think about happiness. We blame (or credit) our managers, our circumstances, other people, getting stuff, not having stuff. But if happiness is always dependent on someone or something else, how much power are we giving away?
Perhaps happiness isn’t something we’re given. Perhaps it’s something we practise.
Like the quote says “Very little is needed to make a happy life; it is all within yourself, in your way of thinking.” - Marcus Aurelius
Bloomin hard though when all around is unravelling. It doesn’t mean ignoring reality or pretending things are fine when they’re not. It’s more about understanding the drivers beneath the surface - what energises us, what drains us, what aligns us with meaning, and what pulls us away from it. And noticing the small important things in life.
Maybe the question isn’t, “How can we be happy right now?”
Maybe it’s, “What does happiness require of us?”
So that’s been my ponderings. Ive included a blog from Richard this week because I think his work is really thought provoking in uncertain times.
And… I’ve also been thinking about what’s next for me, what I want more of, less of, what the year could look like - and decided this is the last group programme I’ll be running. After this I’ll be focusing more on 121 coaching and my Change Mastery talks/workshops. So if you are thinking about change and want me as your cheerleader now’s a good time to sign up! More info here.
That’s all for this week.
Have a (happy!?) weekend.
eleanor
Follow me on LinkedIn here > eleanor
Blogging
Happiness at work -
Extract from Richard Clarke’s Happier at work - 5 minute hacks to build happier teams
So what does actually make you happy at work?
It depends on who you speak to. Just google “the factors that make you happy at work” and you’ll see there are anything from 5 to 25 things you need to do. All the suggestions are broadly the same though, just categorised differently. The US Surgeon General’s guide to wellbeing divides into five factors.
To be happy at work you need to feel …
Safety - you need to feel you are safe at work. Safe against bullying or discrimination and that your job is secure. It also means you feel safe to speak up - you feel psychological safety. Arguably, without a feeling of safety you cannot feel happy. This is based on the human needs for safety and security.
Connection and community - you need to feel you are included and part of a team, and that you have the support you need around you. This is based on the human need for social support and belonging.
Autonomy - you need to feel that you have control over your work and that you are trusted and won’t be blamed if anything goes wrong. You need to feel some sense of ownership. This is based on the human needs for autonomy and flexibility.
Purpose - you need to feel that the work you do has some kind of meaning and that you are recognised for the work you do. This is based on the human needs for dignity and meaning.
Opportunities for growth - finally you need to feel that there is a future in your job, that you are going to grow. This is based on the human needs for learning and a sense of accomplishment.
What about salary and benefits? That fits into security and recognition. You need to feel your job is safe and that you are recognised fairly for your work. The actual amount you get is important but not as important as you’d think. In short, it’s difficult to buy a team member’s happiness.
Obviously there are hundreds of factors that will influence a team’s happiness, and every team is different, so this only scratches the surface. But if you intentionally focus on these five areas, reflect on what you already do well and look at what you can improve, you’ll be off to a pretty good start.
Listening
Do Radio My Do Radio this week is with Richard Clarke - who sold his business, and then wondered now what? That What turned into sharing all he knows about workplace happiness - the truth about workplace happiness! Follow Richard here > Happier at work - 5 minute hacks to build happier teams
Reading
There are a lot of books about happiness. Here are some of my favourites…
The Happiness Cure offers a radical way to think about fulfilment. Blending neuroscientific research and empirical breakthroughs with stories of ordinary individuals, leading psychiatrist and viral TedX speaker Dr Anders Hansen reveals that by adopting an evolutionary take on life, we can re-set our perspective on happiness to find longer-term meaning and lasting contentment.
In Art Cure, world-leading expert and award-winning scientist Professor Daisy Fancourt reveals the life-changing power of the arts, including how:
Songs support the architectural development of children’s brains.
Creative hobbies help our brains to stay resilient against dementia.
Visual art and music act just like drugs to reduce depression, stress, and pain.
Dance build new neural pathways for people with brain injuries.
And, perhaps most importantly, how art helps us not only to survive, but to thrive and flourish.
The Happy Index invites readers into a world where employee happiness isn’t just a buzzword – it’s a powerful catalyst for success that should be at the core of any successful organisation.
When you are thinking Now What?…
This is the final group programme, starting on 27 February. 6 weeks of reflective action taking to help move you through the change you are currently navigating. And learn how to work on your Change Mastery so that change becomes less threat, and more opportunity.
Book a call, let’s talk about working together
19 & 20 September.
“A masterpiece in understanding the inevitability of change and how to navigate it to be a better leader, and an altogether happier human being. It’s full of real life and relatable examples that you will return to again and again to help you on your own journey. This book is a game-changer for anyone navigating organisational or personal transformation. It’s honest, motivating, and full of practical advice. It will give you peace of mind that change can be successfully navigated and even positively welcomed.”
- Debbie Hewitt, Chair, The Football Association
With everything around us, I think now is the time to get a bit more intentional about your happiness. Ditch those social media apps and go for a walk :).