Stephen Covey was brilliant at summing up essential facts in such a way so that others not only understood them, but did something about them, incorporating them in their lives.
Here is one of Covey’s memorable lists: Twelve Things Happy People Do Differently (paraphrased a bit)
1. Express Gratitude
When you appreciate what you have, what you have becomes more valuable to you. If you are not thankful for what you already have, you will have a difficult time ever being happy.
2. Cultivate Optimism
Optimists see their world as one of endless opportunities. Hope is crucial. It keeps you happy when times are challenging.
3. Avoid Social Comparison
Comparing yourself to someone else can be toxic for your own attitude. The only person you should compare yourself to, today, is to yourself, yesterday. Always strive to improve yourself.
4. Practice Acts of Kindness
When is the last time you were kind to someone else? If it is more than a few hours ago, you are missing a great way to improve your own happiness.
5. Nurture Social Relationships
Happy people have deep, meaningful relationships.
6. Develop Strategies for Coping
Murphy’s Law remains strong. Develop healthy strategies for coping with unexpected life changes.
7. Learn to Forgive
Harboring ill-will or feelings of hatred is horrible for your own well-being.
8. Increase Flow Experiences
Flow is the state when time stands still and you are in a zone. It happens through focus. Stop multi-tasking as much to get in the zone.
9. Savor Life’s Joys
Stop and smell the roses. Happiness cannot exist unless you slow down to enjoy. Rest and be thankful to be alive. Experience the joy in life.
10. Commit to your goals
Commitment and persistence leads to accomplishment. Magical things happen when we commit ourselves to accomplish goals that we set for ourselves.
11. Practice Spirituality
Recognition that life is bigger than ourselves happens when you practice spirituality. Surrender the idea that you represent the greatest life-form ever.
12. Take Care of your Body
Without good health, happiness falls apart. Good nutrition and exercise go hand-in-hand. It is important to be well-balanced and happy.
Thanks Dr. Covey for leaving a legacy.
I.M. Optimism Man
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