If you’re looking for happiness, research shows that having more money won’t make a bit of difference. You’ll eventually want more and more. So happiness is not found in a number.
Essentially, a certain income level (~$40,000 here in the U.S.) is necessary for food, shelter, and preventing daily worries…
Research shows that once you have reached that basic level of financial security, making more money is unlikely to lead to better days.
According to author Tom Rath, and his book Fully Charged, there are 3 keys to energizing your body and life that lead to true happiness.
#1) Meaning: doing something that benefits another person…
This is the #1 reason I love cooking delicious recipes for family, friends, and loved ones…. and it’s the #1 reason I love helping people achieve their health and fitness goals.
When you help others get what they want… you’ll eventually get everything you want. It’s a universal law that will never change.
#2) Interactions: creating far more positive moments than negative moments…
We’ll all experience our UPS and our DOWNS in life… so we all need to be intentional about creating positive experiences and memories.
We recently had to let one of our team members go because of poor job performance and it was unfortunately a very negative experience.
I was venting to one of my friends,last week and she said,
“Crystal, that’s life you just got to flow like the ocean. I see this in all areas of my life. Relationships go hot and then cool and then warm up again.
God draws near then backs away. I don’t think you can be living a Christian life without experiencing this. Its how we grow…become much stronger…and more wise.
Its unfortunate but it seems like we never grow through the good times…only through the challenges.”
Wise words my friend… wise words. And so true.
Lesson: Always do your best to surround yourself with people who will create positive experiences in your life. Don’t let negative people suck the life out of you… if you hang with eagles you’ll eventually be one of them.
#3) Energy: making choices that improve your physical AND mental health…
You obviously know by now you need to move EVERY day. Even it’s just going for a walk… but are you feeding your mental health every week??
Get out in nature. Get some quiet time in a dry sauna or private area of your house. Read a book or meditate. Put away the iphone and computer for at least ONE day of the week.
I’d be a hypocrite if I told you I didn’t struggle with this… I’m sitting here typing this on a Tuesday afternoon lol… but I still try my best.
Research has proven in several different studies that spending time in nature helps protect you from future health problems, improves mental health, and is a great mood enhancer. One study even showed that our stress levels fall within minutes of seeing green spaces.
When over 10,000 people were surveyed across these three areas here’s what happened…
– Only 20% said they spent time doing meaningful work yesterday…
– And just 16% reported they had positive interactions…
– A mere 11% reported having a great deal of energy…
So 80-94% of these 10,000 folks are missing out on what it takes to truly “happy” in life…
At least 5 days of the week I wake up early. I exercise. I read my goal cards. I watch my Mind Movie. I breathe deeply. I pray. I thank God and I live with an attitude of gratitude. You should do the same. Life is beautiful, DO NOT TAKE IT OR THINGS FOR GRANTED.
If I sleep in and skip this daily ritual the day controls me—instead of the other way around.
Food for thought when you wake up tomorrow and take on your day.
Stay fit and keep learning new things.
Your friend and coach,
Crystal aka Barbell Barbie. NY
References: http://www.tomrath.org/three-keys-to-a-full-charge/