Optimism and Happiness

The stock market is at record highs and spring is beginning to edge out the cold dark days of winter.  At the same time there are news stories of uncertainty about government taxes and spending; international threats of hostility; and various criminal activities.  Is it the best of times, the worst of times or both?

 

One of the elements of emotional intelligence and a key determinant of success at work and life is general mood, generally defined as happiness and optimism.  Most people have higher self regard when their mood is happy and optimistic and other people like to be around them making for generally rewarding interpersonal relationships.   

 

As simple as it may seem, happiness and optimism are essential for sustained success as a leader.  No one wants to follow a sad pessimist, except perhaps another sad pessimist!  Unfortunately many leaders face tremendous challenges and pressure that may make it quite difficult to remain happy and optimistic.   A good practice for recovering from negative circumstances that have you feeling sad and pessimistic is to go to ‘neutral’.  Halfway between sad and happy; pessimistic and optimistic is a reasonable goal in those situations.  A good analogy is the fuel gauge in your car.  If it indicates it is near empty, getting sad and angry because it won’t stay full is just as foolish as hoping it will be full again on its own.  The wise response of course is to take the fuel level as a neutral indication of fact and then respond with an action –such as stopping to fill up the tank.

 

Move away from acute pessimism by taking a few deep breaths while thinking of aspects of the situation that you are genuinely grateful for.  Oxygenized gratitude can do wonders!  Also talk with your coach, colleagues, or family & friends about the situation to get outside perspectives and most importantly simply take it as an indicator to plan appropriate actions to take.

 

To develop and sustain happiness, research has shown the following are good practices to adapt: (1) Three Gratitude Acknowledgments, three new ones each day for 21 days; (2) Journal daily about one positive experience in the last 24 hours; (3) Exercising; (4) Meditation; (5) Random/Conscious Acts of Kindness, one positive e-mail or conversation daily; (6) Limit news consumption; (7) Limit involvement with pessimistic people; and (8) Get 8 hours of sleep nightly.  Try one or more of these suggestions for an extended period of time and you likely will feel happier – and be a better leader!