In today’s performance driven world, when we focus on what success looks like happiness often takes a backseat.
When we define success, our left brain tends to think of outcomes, career goals, financial stability or social status because we subconsciously believe that we will be happy WHEN we have these things.
The truth is however, that research has proven that the reverse is true for the highest performing individuals: happiness is not just the output of their actions but the driving force and purpose behind their actions. We need the power of both our left brain (logic) and right brain (emotion) to create the highest levels of success with ease, grace and personal power.
Here’s 7 reasons why happiness can be your superpower to achieving success faster and easier than ever before:
1. Happiness makes us smarter
When we are happy, we produce a neurochemical called serotonin, which allows us to feel safe, relax and think more creatively and flexibly. We are open to ideas, think bigger and are better able to problem solve. If we are unhappy or stressed, our brain can go into fight or flight mode which shuts down the bigger picture to be laser focused on the issues at hand. We also access the “Alpha” state of brain waves when we feel happy and relaxed, giving us another channel of thinking power to the “Beta” brain waves accessed during our normal working state.
2. Happiness builds resilience
Resilience is the ability to bounce back from adversity and is a key attribute required for success. When we are happy, we will generally have a more positive and optimistic outlook on life which helps us to roll with the punches and not take things to heart. This mindset helps us to see setbacks as temporary learning opportunities that are just stepping-stones on our path to success – enabling us to learn from our mistakes and move forward with confidence.
3. Happiness helps us build strong relationships
It is difficult to achieve success all on our own – we rely on collaboration, engagement, friendships and working relationships to support us. Happy people are more attractive to be around and will unconsciously draw in other people who want to be around them. These social connections can provide the networks, resources, advice and opportunities that can open doors for our future success.
4. Happy people are healthier
There is a strong link between happiness and health. Part of this is because when we are happy, our brain is functioning on our parasympathetic nervous system which produces the neurochemicals required for rest, restore and well-being. Happy people also tend to have more energy to take care of themselves, engage in physical activity and will enjoy higher levels of immunity. Good health is the foundation of success as it allows us to think clearer and work harder or longer to achieve our desired outcomes without burnout or illness.
5. Happiness and success reinforce each other to build stronger belief systems
Our thoughts, feelings and actions create our reality and the world we experience. When we experience happiness and success, we form stronger beliefs which create our internal feedback loop.
Our beliefs govern our thoughts and feelings.
Our thoughts and feelings guide our actions.
Our actions produce our results.
Our results reinforce our beliefs.
6. Happy people contribute higher levels of discretionary effort
Happy people tend to be more engaged and present in their work. Research has consistently shown that happy employes are more productive with a recent study showing that workers are 13% more productive when they’re happy – increasing output without affecting quality. Happiness at work isn’t just beneficial for employees, it also extends to customer experience, retention and reduced absenteeism.
7. Happy people are more willing to take risks
Positive emotions can increase a person’s willingness to take calculated risks which are often necessary for achieving significant success. This is because they have a strong emotional foundation that allows them to feel safe in themselves, rather than being triggered by potential threats. They know that they will always be okay as they have the inner resources to support them through challenges.
In summary, while success and happiness are interrelated, happiness serves as the foundation for the traits, beliefs and actions that lead us to success.
Happiness, therefore, should be at the centre of our goal setting process personally and organisationally.
And…. we all deserve to be happy and successful!
At Shine Executive, we love supporting business leaders to create a high-performance culture by bringing out the best in their people.
We are here to help with speaking, consulting, training, conferences, coaching or offsite events and specialise in the following areas:
High Performing Teams | Leadership | Sales Training | EQ & Neuroscience | Financial Services Sales & Service | DISC Personality Profiles | Five Behaviours of Cohesive Teams | Positive Psychology | GROWTH Coaching
Our bespoke people and performance solutions are created to meet your unique business needs, time available and working environment – so if you have something that’s important to you why not Book your free 30 minute call now to discuss. We’d love to hear from you.
Or contact us at naomi@shineexecutive.com.au or 0423 93690.
