Back in the good ol’ days of the Enron scandal, pictures of Ken Lay flooded the media; chances are at least one stuck with you. Try to call it up in your mind (or cheat and do a google search). I’m willing the bet the guy’s smiling. Even as they dragged him off in handcuffs, Mr. Lay looked happy. Same goes for Martha Stewart and countless others.
Why were they so happy? Remove the personal details of their lives and a common thread emerges. It’s all about the mindset:
Live on Purpose.
According to National Geographic’s , Okinawans are some of the happiest, longest lived people in the world. Why? Ikigai. “It means the reason for which you wake up in the morning, or sense of purpose. Experts tell us that people with a strong sense of purpose have boosted immune systems, have lower stress hormones, and they are able to grapple with the difficulties of life better than those who don’t.”
Observe Your Surroundings.
Develop a habit of curiosity and interest, even with the mundane. “It is the familiar that usually eludes us in life. What is before our nose is what we see last.” William Barrett, found in , p. 44.
Put Your Needs First.
There are far fewer exceptions to this rule than most of us raised in a culture of guilt and sacrifice believe. Last year, when I took a course called , one of the most common reasons people gave for not being happy was the thought that they didn’t deserve it as long as others were suffering. That’s crazy talk! People are more productive, clear headed and able to make decisions when they’re happy. Requisites, all, if you want to save the world.
Keep Working to Improve Your Skills.
Nothing satisfies like accomplishment. The sense that you are capable and in control of your life is a large component of happiness, and working to improve your skills (that is, working toward your life purpose) will help get you there.
Be an Opportunist.
“I’m free when I allow my life to unfold. As soon as I restrict myself to known outcomes, I’ve got a noose around my neck.” Adele Goldstone in (the book on happiness), pg. 131. Follow Adele’s advice. Be willing to change plans; take advantage of whatever life offers. But please, use your powers for good.
Related Posts:
How Narrowing Your Focus Can Broaden Your Life
20 Easy Ways to Find Contentment Even on Your Worst Days
What if Happiness was Your Top Priority?
(Written for ““on problogger.net.)
Subscribe!
I loved this!
[...] 5 Ways Criminal Thinking Can Make You Happier by Maile [...]
[...] 5 Ways Criminal Thinking Can Make You Happier by Maile [...]
I completely agree. This is an awesome list - so glad I found it
[...] 5 Ways Criminal Thinking Can Make You Happier by Maile [...]
[...] 5 Ways Criminal Thinking Can Make You Happier by Maile [...]
[...] 5 Ways Criminal Thinking Can Make You Happier by Maile [...]
[...] 5 Ways Criminal Thinking Can Make You Happier by Maile [...]
Great stuff, too much emphasis put on guilt these days; Looking after number 1 is a must.
[...] 5 Ways Criminal Thinking Can Make You Happier by Maile [...]
[...] 5 Ways Criminal Thinking Can Make You Happier by Maile [...]
Hi Steven and Alicia. Thanks for your comments. I’m glad you enjoyed the post
[...] 5 Ways Criminal Thinking Can Make You Happier by Maile [...]
[...] 5 Ways Criminal Thinking Can Make You Happier by Maile [...]
Maile, this is simply brilliant. We need to drop the idea that it’s wrong to put ourselves first sometimes. It’s way too easy to lose our sense of self nowadays. Thanks for the great post!
Great list! I love the drawings too! I would add to this “Be ambitious”, almost like opportunist, but create the opportunities instead of waiting for them to come to you.
[...] 5 Ways Criminal Thinking Can Make You Happier by Maile [...]
The title caught my eye and it was a very interesting read.
[...] also think that 5 Ways Criminal Thinking Can Make You Happier deserves an honorary mention as it relates to white collar criminals and has some good points for [...]
You had me at the title, but the illustrations really hooked me. I love this
[...] 5 Ways Criminal Thinking Can Make You Happier by Maile [...]
[...] 5 Ways Criminal Thinking Can Make You Happier by Maile [...]
[...] 5 Ways Criminal Thinking Can Make You Happier by Maile [...]
[...] 5 Ways Criminal Thinking Can Make You Happier by Maile [...]
I loved this post. By far one of my favorite ProBlogger entries.
[...] 5 Ways Criminal Thinking Can Make You Happier by Maile [...]
[...] 5 Ways Criminal Thinking Can Make You Happier by Maile [...]
Hi Maile,
Reached here via problogger. Your title really was interesting and a good read indeed. Thank you for criminal thinking insight.
Prince John
[...] 5 Ways Criminal Thinking Can Make You Happier by Maile [...]
[...] 5 Ways Criminal Thinking Can Make You Happier by Maile [...]
[...] 5 Ways Criminal Thinking Can Make You Happier by Maile [...]
[...] 5 Ways Criminal Thinking Can Make You Happier by Maile [...]
[...] 5 Ways Criminal Thinking Can Make You Happier by Maile [...]
[...] 5 Ways Criminal Thinking Can Make You Happier by Maile [...]
[...] 5 Ways Criminal Thinking Can Make You Happier by Maile [...]
[...] 5 Ways Criminal Thinking Can Make You Happier by Maile [...]
[...] 5 Ways Criminal Thinking Can Make You Happier by Maile [...]
[...] 5 Ways Criminal Thinking Can Make You Happier by Maile [...]
[...] 5 Ways Criminal Thinking Can Make You Happier by Maile [...]
[...] 5 Ways Criminal Thinking Can Make You Happier by Maile [...]
[...] 5 Ways Criminal Thinking Can Make You Happier by Maile [...]