Now is the perfect time of year to reflect on your own happiness, productivity and energy levels from the past year. With the year coming to a close and a new one about to begin it is tempting to buy into the commercialism of the season and to try to buy happiness for yourself or others, or to start coming up with a list of New Year’s resolutions that are not realistic. I recently read 21 Days to Happiness by Ingrid Kelada and I want my husband and daughter to read it too! We often have family discussions about ‘being happy’ and what happiness really is. As a society we are bombarded with messages that we don’t have enough, constantly need more and that materialism is the answer to happiness. But happiness is an inside job and a very personal choice for each of us to make. What one person considers to be success and happiness won’t and shouldn’t be the same for the next person as we all have our own gifts and talents. The same goes for work life balance. It will be different from person to person.
What I love most about Ingrid’s book is that it provides concrete tools and strategies for me to apply in those situations when I start to get into a negative head space. I think that I am a pretty positive person overall but there are times when I feel like everything and everyone is working against me. That’s when I grab Ingrid’s book and apply an exercise or too to change my frame of mind. I am a big believer in an attitude of gratitude and that appreciation and feeling thankful helps to create a sense of joy and fulfillment. I was happy to see in her book that she suggests listing things that we are grateful for. I have been doing this nightly with my family for a few months now before bedtime. We all take turns saying what we are grateful for, for that day. Even if one of us had a bad day, we can always find at least one thing that we are thankful for.
The book is presented in straightforward and well thought out format. Each chapter looks at provides information, tips and resources to help you learn to deal with distractions and focus on your own mental and physical well being. It is broken down into manageable sections so that you can work on your own happiness a bit at a time. It is a great read for everyone – from students to CEOs.
As someone who was also born and raised in Montreal (although I am no longer there), I also appreciate that Ingrid is working in my former home town!
The following is a guest post from Ingrid Kelada.
Strategies for Happiness
Choices, choices
Success and happiness tend to go hand and hand, but you have to define what would make you feel successful and happy. Sometimes success and happiness will lead you in two different directions.
For example, you may find that your current situation makes you happy, but if you ever want a promotion, you will probably have to give up some things in order to step up to your new challenges. You should always consider what is more important to you at that time.
While financial success can be appealing, the happiness that comes from personal success often lasts longer and feels better.
Set Your Happiness Goals
Life can be frustrating or seem meaningless at times: get up, to work, run a bunch of errands, repeat! You should set some key goals in order to find happiness and success. Take time to consider what kind of life you want to have. We are all different, so ask yourself: what would make me truly happy?
Be intentional about setting goals for yourself. Break your goals into smaller, bite-sized pieces and aim for those steps that lead you toward the bigger goal.
Be flexible. You may change your mind about reaching certain goals as you learn more about yourself and the goals you’ve set. Your priorities may change because you’ve taken a new job or started a new relationship. That’s okay. Changing your mind isn’t giving up or failing, it’s about being agile and adaptable. Adjust your goals to reflect your updated ideals.
Just Do Happy
Happiness and success do take some practice. What daily behaviors will make you feel great?
Right now, close your eyes and think of three things which you want to accomplish on your journey toward being happy and successful.
Jot them down. Begin by thinking of small steps and actions that will help you achieve the things you really want.
Place your list somewhere you can see it on a daily basis. Hang it next to the bathroom mirror or on your refrigerator or next to your computer monitor. Do something every day that will help you achieve your goals.
Being happy and successful are possible for everyone, but the definitions of happiness and success also differ from person to person. Don’t get distracted by trying to achieve goals that other people value. Life is too short. Do you! Make sure you identify and revisit what’s important to you and spend your time and energy pursuing the individual path which will take you toward your own happier future.
About the Book
Book Title: 21 Days to Happiness: Increase Your Happiness, Productivity and Happiness
Author: Ingrid Kelada
Category: Adult Non-Fiction, 230 pages
Genre: Motivational, self-help
Publisher: Wellness Ink
Release date: September 19, 2017
Tour dates: Nov 27 to Dec 15, 2017
Content Rating: G (The subject is intended more for adults, but there’s no explicit language or content.)
Book Description:
Struggling to find work-life balance? Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed and frustrated or just want to increase your happiness, you can learn how in just 10 minutes a day!
For some of us, feeling busy or stressed has become the new normal. Others feel okay, but just want a boost to productivity, energy and motivation.
Instead of hoping for happiness, what if happiness is something you DO, something you CHOOSE every day? The good news: it is and the solutions are simple.
Psychologist and happiness expert Ingrid Kelada provides a practical, step-by-step guide to help you increase your personal happiness and feel more motivated. You can learn how with simple 10-minute strategies. Each day of the 21-day journey focuses on one key area of your life, including:
• Time: how to break the cycle of chaos and manage your time effectively.
• Body Language: exploring the surprising links between body language and happiness.
• Relationships: how to make the most of the number one predictor of happiness.
• Work: how to use your strengths and talents so that you are engaged and motivated.
• Money: what you should spend your money on to feel most satisfied.
The book is interactive. Each chapter features resources like apps to try, videos to watch for deeper understanding, or tools to help you master these new habits. At the end of three weeks, along with increased happiness, you’ll find you’ve become more:
• productive
• focused
• patient
• energetic
• healthy
• motivated
• positive
Happiness is a choice. A daily decision to choose happy can be easy, fun and rewarding. With this book, in just a few minutes per day, you can practice one new happiness habit, add resources to your arsenal, and jot down your notes in the journal section.
Buy 21 Days to Happiness today to create a happier more satisfying life.
Watch the trailer:
Ms. Ingrid Kelada is an experienced psychologist and happiness expert. She is a speaker and has facilitated over 1000 workshops all over the world. People find her to be pragmatic, inspiring and funny! She has an online personality questionnaire store to help people identify their talents and interests. With over 25 years experience, she offers her expertise to a wide range of clients. She is bilingual and a member of the professional association of Psychologists of Quebec. Visit her online at http://www.keladacc.ca
Connect with the Author: Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ LinkedIn ~ Instagram
Thank you so much for sharing this positive review. It is such a great feeling for me to feel I am inspiring other to “do happy” or to “choose happy” by using simple and straightforward tips. I am glad you found my book useful and I always love to hear from someone from Montreal…Bonjour!