By Joanne Gordon
Happiness at work does not just happen. You must seek it out, foster it, fight for it. You need to believe that you deserve to be intellectually, emotionally, and socially engaged at work. Having a happy working life is not reserved for those with connections, chemical makeup, or money; it is reserved for those who act.
The Happy 100 find happiness by being engaged with Processes whose Purposes they feel proud of, and with People that they respect. But you still need to be Proactive.
1. Know what you want.
a. Examine how each of the 3 Ps is operating in your present work life. Figure out the core processes that you really enjoy or put you in a flow state. Confront how you feel about the effects of your work on others. Reflect on the people with whom you work.
2. Ask for what you want.
a. No one can read your needs, and unless you speak up, you’ll definitely never get them. You deserve it.
3. Reinvent the rules: recast stereotypes.
a. The only rules are to be proactive and creative.
b. Always think beyond industry stereotypes.
4. Seek support.
a. Seeking guidance or advice (and accepting criticism) is a sign of strength.
5. Explore--don’t ignore--instinct and coincidence.
a. Many times, a single critical epiphany led them down the right path
b. Put yourself in a position to have such realizations
i. Say yes to invitations
ii. When coincidences happen, take action
c. Fate does not deliver happiness, your actions do
6. Weigh the sacrifices
a. Even the happiest still experience frustration, and many have overcome major obstacles
7. Exude confidence