It is possible to create your own happiness. As with all good habits and life skills, this is something to be worked on and to cultivate.
Without the right mindset, do not attempt to live your best life. No strategy or knowledge would get you anywhere if you do not believe that change is possible – also for you – and that it is within your power to make your dreams come true.
In this, the first of our series on happiness, I would like to share two practical tips on the journey to living your best life.
Step one is to set a vision board for yourself. Identify your own value set and formulate what is important in your life. Visualise your ideal life and see yourself as the person you want to be. Try not to think too far ahead – two or five years ahead should be your aim.
Now put this mind picture on paper – either by cutting out magazine or google pictures of the new you with your dream come true, or by describing your ideal self in words. Paste up this vision board wherever you are bound to see it daily – next to your laptop, on your fridge or in your bathroom.
Step two is to formulate your goals according to the SMART-acronym. Make your life goals Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant to your own life and linked to a Time-frame. Make sure that your goals are your own and not an attempt to meet others’ expectations. Do not make your goals generic like I want to be healthy or fit. State them in the positive – (i.e. instead of saying I do not want to eat junk food anymore, list what you want your daily diet to look like). Make sure you build in some fun, be realistic and flexible and look forward to the journey!
