Don’t hold yourself back from being happy
Happiness is a choice. I know, I know.. it’s a controversial quote, but it’s true.
How often do we get carried away with all the small stuff that went wrong during the day? Traffic on the way to work, someone cut you off, the barista screwed up your coffee order, there was a long line at the supermarket cash register and to top it off you find a notice of the water company for a bill you paid two weeks ago. None of those are fun. None of those will matter tomorrow. Think about it, most of the things we complain about in our daily life are meaningless.
What if we, instead of complaining about the negative small stuff in our day, shift to being positive about other small stuff in our life? Shift your attention from the negative bubble of complaining about meaningless daily events and instead create a positive bubble of all small things that make us happy on a daily basis.
Getting into that positive bubble is absolutely something that can be learned and you can make it an ongoing healthy habit. Here are 3 questions to ask yourself if it’s worth for something or someone to interrupt your commitment to happiness.
Will it matter in the long run?
Frustrations are just part of life and, left unaddressed, they can build up a lot of unnecessary stress. When you get frustrated, try to immediately put your frustration into perspective.
Someone being rude to you, someone cutting in line, getting a notice of an unpaid bill, which you already paid…. All reasons to get annoyed.
None of these things have the power to affect your day unless you allow it. Smile to the person being rude to you and wish them a great day. Wave to the person cutting you off in traffic. Put that notice in the trash. You already paid your bill, an employee probably just made a mistake.
You can’t fix everything. So let it go.
Can I learn, or laugh at this?
If you drive faster than the speed limit, you will get a ticket. It’s your own fault. Pay the fine and move on.
Did you get clumsy during lunch and spilled sauce or coffee on your shirt? Put on your jacket or cover it up with a scarf and move on. No one will notice so why would you let it ruin your day?
Often the things that frustrate us also give us an opportunity for some self reflection and growth. Why does this bother me? Can I rise above it? Is this worth messing with the rest of my day?
If it won’t matter tomorrow or even in one hour, let it go.
Can I control this?
With so much going on around us you need to focus on what matters. Often small things but also very often big obstacles in life are simply beyond our control. Getting laid off is something no one wants to happen but if it does happen you can only control your reaction to this obstacle. Be angry, be frustrated but then turn it around and look for the opportunities it created.
If you can’t control it, let it go.
Here are some tips to manage everyday frustrations before they get the best of you.
This will pass
Everything in life does. Traffic jam, that last-minute meeting at the end of the day, the annoying conversation with your co-worker. Everything is temporarily and will pass.
Take a deep breath
When your frustrations are about to get the better of you take a deep breath. Use it as a reminder that you’re in this moment, that you’re ok and that this shall pass.
Taking a deep breath also calms down your body. If your body is calm, your mind will follow.
Stress is in your head
Stress is not the traffic jam. Stress is not your co-worker. Stress is how we perceive the situation.
You could let your co-worker frustrate you or you could think, ”This is about her and her need for attention. She is not doing this to me.” Just kindly let her know you need to get back to work and move on with your day.
The utility bill notice only becomes stressful when you see it as the company’s incompetence and chasing you. It’s just a piece of paper. It has no power over you. Read it, check if you already paid, take a deep breath and move on with your day.
You have already survived days like this
It’s easy to let daily frustrations get to us. Remember you’ve had plenty of stressful days in the past and you survived them. You probably even forgot about them. Which means all the stress and frustrations weren’t that big of a deal after all.
This will also be one of those days. Accept it and move on with your day.
The key to happiness
Don’t expect your life to be perfect. Surround yourself with people you love, find something interesting to do with your time and have fun. That’s what life is about. You are in control of your happiness. Learn to put everything in perspective and you will see it will change your life!
Don’t know how to create your positive bubble? I’ve put together a list of 150 things to be happy about. 150 small, random but also bigger things in life we take for granted but should be happy about.
What are some small things that make you happy? Comment below or share on Instagram and tag Bosswomenmindset
150 reasons to be happy
