Happiness IS a Skill!

A National Football League game has an average of 65 offensive plays per game. Each play lasts 5 1/2 seconds. When you do the math, the average player is actually moving and playing the game for about 6 minutes. This may not seem like much time when you consider the average NFL player makes around $1.4 million. How much time do you think he spends practicing for those 6 minutes? During the season most players practice and study an average of 50 to 60 hours per week. Keep in mind an NFL player wasn’t an accountant yesterday, then woke up today and said "hey I want to play professional football." These men have been practicing since pee-wee football! After all of that work they’re still not guaranteed to win on Sunday!

Happiness, just like any sport requires practice! Certain people poses a natural ability at certain sports, but they still have to practice. The same goes for happiness! Some people are naturally happier than others, but we all need to practice. Being happy is not a right or a state of being that just happens. You must actively engage in activities and thoughts that make you happier. Here are some valuable points you can start to practice every day.

• Change the words you use in conversation and in your own head. Instead of saying "I hate sitting in traffic, this sucks", remind yourself that now you get to listen to your favorite music longer. Say to yourself "it's great to have some alone time" or "peace and quiet at last"! Practice using more positive words everyday and you’ll find yourself in a better mood and have less stress.
• What are you passionate about? When you’re at the same job for 5 or 10 years, it might be tough to remain energetic about work. Why did you start on that career path? There was something about that job and it felt good inside. You took that job with enthusiasm. Get back to the reason why you started there and challenge yourself to do even better. When you truly can't find any more passion from your career, then it’s time to look elsewhere for a salary. Practice finding more passion in life.
• Have you ever felt there’s not enough time in the day? Plan your time and don’t just let it get away from you. At the start of your day keep in mind what you need to get accomplished. Estimate how long each task should take. Plan time for distractions and interruptions, because you know they’re going to happen anyway. Most importantly, plan some time throughout the day for yourself.

Life has many highs and lows, so expect your level of happiness to be different each day. Have realistic goals for your days, months, and years, but always keep them in sight. You’re practicing the skill of happiness in order to have an overall better life! So keep it up and you’ll live a fulfilling and happy life.