Bringing Happiness to the Motivation Table

Does it feel a little odd to bring happiness to our motivation table? A little trivial, perhaps? Like the “no worries” ditty of Hakuna Matata. Or perhaps it’s something you’ve thought of as a reward. So, it’s premature to get it before you’ve arrived or achieved. Kind of like eating dessert before your veggies. Some even worry they’re not worthy since they lack the belongings of social media likes and physical things. Or lastly, maybe it just seems out of reach given your circumstances. And so it goes, along with joy!

We’ve made happiness into an attitude, a possession, an event, and a reward for being good. It’s none of those. Aristotle had it right millenniums ago. Happiness is simply emotional currency. It sets a quick, accurate – and pretty easy to use – value on our choices and views. Think about a favorite person or enjoyable event – happiness floods in. Think about a cleaning chore, and dread wipes it away. But reframe that chore into a pristine, well organized, easy to use, show-off place and happiness returns. Happiness is a feel-able ruler.

Want to be happier? Don’t wait to see it appear. Don’t wait to be enough, get enough, do enough, or have it suddenly happen. Don’t wait for others to give it to you or events to take your breath away. Use your mental simulator to shape a scene until it’s colored with interest, contentment, hope, excitement, joy … or any of the other many coins of happiness.

Want more? Imagine more! Then, do one thing, one little thing, to move towards that vision. Take small steps. Even baby steps towards a pleasure can bring a happiness rush.

So, what about motivation? Want more? Sure, you could set goals, connect with others, find your purpose, do good deeds, give yourself some R&R, break tasks down, use positive self-talk, be grateful, reflect on how far you’ve come, give yourself more rewards, or look to others for inspiration. All excellent methods.

But the simplest and quickest way to get motivated is to go for more happiness. What would make you more satisfied and even blissful, glad, cheerful, exhilarated, or just plain contented in the moment? In the coming days, in the future, in life? Your answers, pictures, and the path to them will bring on the desire and energy of motivation. Seek out happiness and you’ll find both!