Last month we discussed The 5 Elements of Well-Being, or "What it takes to be Happy".
The main point of the topic was the search for balance & personal fulfillment. Specifically as an entrepreneur or while working from home to start a successful online business.
The most significant source of happiness or fulfillment for entrepreneurs is the sense of achievement. Challenging yourself, meeting a goal, etc. Experiencing achievement requires definitive action. Knowing where you are now, where you want to be, what the steps are between the two, and doing what it takes to get there...
A few days ago I received an email from John Reese. You may have read the same email if you're on his mailing list. He basically said you're not going to make any money coming up with ideas, making plans, or creating mindmaps & flowcharts. It's "doing stuff" that brings in the money.
His main message was: Stop Dreaming and Start Doing!
The fun part is the dreaming - coming up with ideas, planning them out to the last detail, imagining success and what your life will be like when you achieve your goals. The "doing" is the hard part, and where most people get stuck. Or quit.
You have to be persistent and consistent, and do the little un-fun steps that get you there. I wrote about this last year @ Taking Daily Action: Huge Goals, Little Steps.
Where I was. Where I am.
On this topic, I thought I'd give you a quick update on my happiness quest. You may recall from my original post that I was struggling. The "well-being finder" test puts you in one of three categories: suffering, struggling or thriving.
I barely made it into that middle category as you can see in the results:
We all know exactly where we are at any given time. But seeing the results in front of you can make a big difference. It makes them real, and gives you a specific point to work from to start making positive change. Which is exactly what I did.
I took that same well-being finder test again almost 6 weeks later, this time with dramatically different test results:
Nice, right?! 😀
In my original post on this topic I pointed out that we are faced with hundreds of micro-choices every single day. That the results of those choices on all the days leading up to this one... have put us exactly where we are. It's empowering when you view it this way, versus a focus on the big picture, as it puts you back in control in very easy steps: simply making small & easy "right choices".
I increased my score in the Social, Physical and Community categories strategically. Intentionally. Because that's what it takes to improve your life - in any category: intentional action. Positive life change isn't just going to happen to you, even if you do achieve financial freedom. Which was proven in my original graph.
You have to be proactive about the things you want to change in your life. And you have to be both persistent and consistent about it. Nothing happens overnight. Though, as you can see by comparing the graphs above, dramatic change in 6 weeks... that's quite nice!
So what did I do different to change my results?
It was the small things. Small choices that had definitive results. Knowing where I was lacking was the key. From there I could choose to do things that contributed to my well-being in those categories of life.
I spent quality time with friends - on purpose (social). I reached out to my Dane organization and offered to foster (community). I started walking again, and eating better (physical). There were other things as well of course, but they were all small intentional choices.
And yes... I feel HAPPY 😀
But let me just say. It wasn't the specific things that I did that made the biggest difference. It was the fact that I did them. Just taking action totally changes your mindset from "I'm struggling in this department" to "I'm working on this".
And that makes a HUGE difference. So much so, in fact, that I am sure that is what improved my score when I took the test again. My mindset - or where I was mentally & emotionally on those topics.
It's amazing what even a small sense of accomplishment, or a small dose of "happy", can do for you. It's encouraging. It's inspiring. It's motivating. And it's the base for exponential growth.
Where are you??
Nothing will change if you don't put the wheel in motion. You have to make the first move, then consistently move toward the results you want.
Luckily you can start small. Start with decisions and tasks you can do today, that take you where you want to be, and then continue to make the right choices and spend your time doing the right tasks... every single day after.
Take a moment to ask yourself where you are right now, and where you want to be. What one thing can you do today to start moving in that direction? Then do it!
It's less about the big picture - the ideas and planning and mindmaps. And more about the little tasks and seemingly small choices that you make every single day. Even every single hour. And you can start right now...
Best,
p.s. If you're ready to take serious action, and need help - and a mastermind group you can count on - you can join my Private Brainstorming Group. Just register at the ClickNewz Forum and then upgrade to Elite Member to join us.
Hope to see you there! 😉
About Lynn Terry
I LOVE THIS!! Can I say that being your friend makes me happy? (Even if we sometimes find our bars getting on the low side!) Good point about the choices. Logging off to exercise cause that makes me happy.
Being your friend makes ME happy too 😉 *especially* when any of the bars are dipping low!
It comes down to planning..I plan every part of my life..this is how I'm able to measure my growth.
"Black Seo Guy "Signing Off"
This post is very motivating Lynn. I remember your first post and thought how could this be. Certainly happiness looks different to everyone and it's not just about making money Online.
A lot of work goes into an Online business and that can be isolating for many, including myself. I have started to realize as much as I like working from home I need more interaction with people. So I have been looking for ways to do that. If I don't get out of the house regularly my happiness meter goes down.
I know others who feel the same. I must be weird, because I enjoy the isolation - LOL. I love the quiet time, the me time, the focus time...
There are some great events, meet-ups, and even WorkAtJelly.com as an option. Check out meetup.com, look for PodCamp and WordCamp in your area. All of those are free options. And then of course there are the big events as well.
Yes, at home with my little kids. They're are my strength and happiness.
Good Morning Lynn!
It's been a while since I've dropped by ClickNewz, and boy am I glad I did today! I've have been struggling on the Happy Meter lately and I kept trying to dream and plan my way out of it.
I write a lot about getting off your butt and taking action, but in my own funk, I was paralyzed to move.
I now see the "plan" - take the small steps. Do something. Move.
Thanks Lynn - you are appreciated!
Those little steps will really make a difference. I know they do for me. Just moving in the right direction, know matter if it's snail pace, totally changes my outlook.
I know all too well about "the funk". Here's to moving past it! *cheers*
A year ago I moved to a new country where I basically knew 2 people (in a different area from where I'm living) and where I don't yet speak the main language. I've never been a proactively "social" person but I realised that I needed to reach out or I was going to end up reclusive and depressed, because no one was going to come knocking on MY door. I let go of my prejudices about what "type" of people I would like, and just showed up and said "yes" to every invitation I got. Now I have a social circle of different ages - from 25 years younger than me to 35 years older - backgrounds and nationalities. I've volunteered for stuff (SO unlike me! lol), got involved in projects (also unlike me) - and where at first it was a major effort and outside my comfort zone, now I love it.
You're so right, Lynn - being proactive and taking control make a huge difference in how we feel about our life. I'm so glad things have improved for you - WTG! 🙂
Thank you Isobel 😀
What an awesome story! Feeling lonesome is the pits, but like you said... it's not going to resolve itself. You really do have to get proactive and *create* social circles. Kudos for stepping out like that!
Hi Isobel, I absolutely agree! Opening yourself up and stepping out of your comfort zone is crucial. I moved to Mexico in 1995 and was in the same situation...I had to face fears and open myself up to new things and new people! My life changed forever!
Hi Lynn
Wow what progress.
Is the online survey only available via the book or is there a link?
Regards
David
Hi David,
The book came with trial access at the site: http://www.wbfinder.com If you read my original post, I did NOT recommend the book. That said, I'm not sure what the price difference is between site access and the book... or if you can find trial access elsewhere.
Whether in business or in life, nothing will change unless you take persistent and consistent action. 😀
Cheers,
Allen
Totally awesome improvement - definitely makes me happy for you! And man, oh man, you are so right - it's just those tiny actions. Just doing. Just knowing you are moving forward. It's amazing how just starting completely changes my mindset from what it was even an hour ago. It's kind of like when I start actively trying to lose weight (off a little since my trip) but, pretty much as soon as I begin, I 'feel' thinner. Which is crazy - I know it's not true. But feeling that way is motivating and then it snowballs, as you say!
Exactly. I've experienced the same. My next post is going to be on that very topic, so stay tuned 😉
Right here - Carrie said it beautifully this morning: https://twitter.com/#!/barefoot_exec/status/55251378993500160 Awe! Some!
What a dramatic difference in 6 weeks! I'm totally on the same page with the micro-choices we make in life. I'm still juggling my 9 to 5 and working to build my affiliate marketing business. I was finding that I was too mentally drained to be as productive as I wanted to in the evenings, so I started shutting off the TV and going to bed earlier so that I have time to work when my mind is fresh in the mornings. It's been making a world full of difference that I'm sure is contributing to my overall wellbeing. The very first thing I do in the mornings now is "accomplish," which sets me up for the well-being that I want to achieve in the career/financial sector.
What an awesome way to start your day, with a sense of accomplishment! Smart move, Dawn 😉
I love that you are doing so much better. Pretty green graphs make it seem like a huge feat you've accomplished (and it is) so enjoy it! Let me know if there is anything I can do to help. 🙂
Thank you - and thank you for being my friend when the graphs weren't so pretty 😀 LOL I really appreciate you!
It's so easy to stay in the dreaming phase and unfortunately for so many people it's really hard to move on to the do stage. I would know LOL...it's scary but you are so right about it but I honestly needed to read this so i can know I have to push through!
Thank you!
It's good to have a plan, but sometimes life and events take a different twist. So, most of the day i'm trying to cope with the new info, and then to do what I would like to to. Kind of sad...but this is it!
Life happens, no doubt. No matter who you are! I had a day earlier this week that just wasn't what I wanted it to be. I just went with the flow, got through it (distractions, appointments, obligations, etc)... then went to bed and started over the next day. Sometimes that's all we can do. :p
Outside of the "twists" though, and even through them, we have to continue to make deliberate choices. Every single choice determines the next step, and we have to stay on course - even through those twists.
I like to ask myself a question when faced with a choice, even a small one: "Will this take me closer to my goal, or distract me from it?" Knowing your goal being the key, of course.
Oh my goodness Lynn, I just posted yesterday on Facebook that I was not a happy camper 🙁 This post is so timely so I'm glad I stopped by your site today. The small steps you made to achieve such great results is inspiring. Thanks!
It would be nice if we could change it all in a single day. Or even better with a head bob and a couple of blinks - like Jeannie 😀 LOL But it's definitely comforting to know that things CAN change given the right time and energy. Sometimes much quicker, which we only see in hindsight. It's the foresight that's tough. 🙂
Glad to see you are doing better, Lynn. In regards to "Stop Dreaming and Start Doing" I've always had this theory that million dollar ideas are a dime-a-dozen. It's the _doing_ that really separates the successful from the dreamers.
So true. The dreamers sit around and get mad that someone "stole" their idea, or did it before they could. As if they were ever going to in the first place...
Congratulations on great improvement and creating balance in your life! True happiness comes from within us...a peaceful state that we choose to BE IN no matter what is happening in our lives, not our circumstances or material things we think will make us happier! Marci Shimoff has a great book on how to achieve this inner happiness called Happy For No Reason.
The world needs dreamers....that is where all great ideas come from,they start as someone's dream or vision. However; without ACTION the dream will never materialize. It is no mistake that the Law of Attraction has the word ACTION in it. I finally found my happy place and started a blog about it!!
http://happinesscanbeyours.com
Very motivating! Makes me want to keep better records of everything i'm doing!
Warm wishes,
Rachel
Such a great way of quantifying the aspects that matter to one's happiness. I love it when you say "imagining success....where I was where I am" but let me insist on "where I want to be".
How happy a life you lead with money, material, men and women! Unfortunately I have some difficulties in following you with all heart. Of course, all that you write are not so easy understandable. I can not avoid questions that arise in my mind. I am afraid of being misunderstood by you. Again, it may so happen that others will request you to give me up. But please don’t leave me alone. I am utterly disappointed in Online business. All are simply disgusting. First you pay then you start. Money begets money. Let me earn; you will gain automatically.
You write reasonably well, by far the best; Ma-Mahajnan, a spiritual genius, stands philosophically sound. Would you accept her papers and show me the way to prosper in life? We run philanthropic organization and devoted to serve humanity. The every corner of the world today appears restless. How should we overcome the enmity among people? Beasts are not as ruthless as we the human being. Could you bring out a solution to make people feel happy? I remain yours in the Divine, Asokananda Prosad.
Hi Lynn
I just needed this great post today. The sun is streaming into my lounge, and that always makes me feel good. I have been struggling to get on top of my organising skills, have gone down with a bad cold that I haven't managed to shake off in over 14 days, but have been extremely busy with my online/offline business since we have had ongoing and hugely disruptive earthquakes in my home city, Christchurch, New Zealand. We came out unscathed and I'm trying to work through how lucky we are compared to those who lost loved ones, their homes, businesses and are at a completely new "normal" now. It makes me happy that I can still bring joy to someone else who may be suffering, or to be able to deliver a birthday gift from someone around the world who can't be here to deliver it themselves.
I have been trying to get a blog set up, and finally yesterday I took some action to get the right people to help me make this happen, so finally I am making the right things happen for my business.
I also realise that whilst I got very busy making money, I neglected my health and my walking, so that starts again today!!
I love your ideas, and thoroughly enjoy reading comments from others around the world. Your blog, ideas and thoughts are very inspiring and helpful. I will focus on doing action instead of all my perpetual studying of other people, planning, replanning and I know that this will help me move ahead. Thank you, thank you Lynn.
Great motivational post - some terrific content in it. Its a great refresher to what for most of us we know but being reminded certainly helps, for me anyway - thanks
I believe I've found my happy place. Morocco.
It is the most beautiful country I've ever visited 'til this day. I love the weather, the food, the people... everything!
And since IM is a business where you only need your computer and an Internet connection to do wonders -- my MAC always goes with me 🙂
To everyone else: pay Morocco a visit sometime!
/Nabil, from Sweden.
To found a good place for our happiness, dreaming and doing should work as equivalently because thy are equal and co related to each other. In fact, for me success is directly proportional to hard work. As it increases, success also goes on the same way which finally leads to a happy and a prosperous life...
I completely agree. I believe everything is in a domino effect. If you are successful, it brings a sense of completion to the day. And that would lead contentment and happiness.
Very inspiring and motivating Lynn!
I'm starting to learn how to make good decisions and right plans for my online activities. I must admit that I'm a bit out of focused because of some issues but I'm trying to be back on track.
You are so right about the "doing" being the hard part, and that positive change doesn't just happen, you have to MAKE it happen. I never realized how true that was until a few months ago. I had just broken up with my boyfriend, was terribly unhappy and wanted to move to a city I had used to live in. I decided to stop feeling sorry for myself and be pro-active, I got in shape, found a job, a roommate, reconnected with old friends and made new friends...I was the happiest I'd ever been in my life. The past couple of months I've found myself slipping back into my old patterns of laziness, self-doubt, etc etc. I want to get back to that happy place because I never even knew I could be there...I hope I can find it again. I get so overwhelmed with the Big Picture, but you're right about trying to do something Today. Thanks.