This is the final post in the happiness series. You can find the others: Discovering Happiness, Happiness Is…, and Share the Happiness.
I’ve enjoyed the responses left, it is clear that even though there are different definitions of happiness that people are definitely interested in the topic and that most people want a deeper level of happiness and recognize the futility in seeking happiness through major life events and the acquisition of material possessions.
This Personal Happiness Reflection Inventory is designed to help you discover your current level of happiness, what you would like your level of happiness to become, and what action steps you can take to discover your own happiness.
In order to get the most out of this inventory I recommend getting out a piece of paper and writing down your answers. There is something very powerful in physically writing down your thoughts to reflection questions. If for some reason you are unable to write it down then at least type your thoughts.
How do you define happiness?
- There are as many definitions of happiness as there are people to define happiness, what is your definition?
- Does it have more to do with exuberant emotions, calmness, gratitude, lack of negativity…?
What is your mental image of happiness?
- What visuals does your mind create when you think of happiness?
- If you were to take a picture of the essence of happiness what would that picture look like?
On a scale of 1-10 how would you rate your current level of happiness?
- One: Not happy at all
- Five: Average
- Ten: Couldn’t be happier
How do you feel about your rating?
- Would you like to see improvement or are you happy with your level of happiness right now?
- Is this where you thought you would be at this point in your life? Why or why not?
Are you waiting for something to make you happy?
- Do you believe that you will finally be happy when some major event happens?
- Is your happiness hanging on getting engaged, that next promotion, having kids, reaching a certain income level?
- Are you waiting for a material possession such as a car, house, designer purse, etc. to make you happy?
- How long do you think the event or possession will keep you in sustained happiness?
- How will you react when the event or possession fails to live up to your expectations? Or do you believe it couldn’t fail your expectations?
Would you rather live your life waiting for happiness or discovering it daily?
- How do you live your life: waiting for happiness or finding it every day?
- Which do you think brings more fulfillment?
- If you would like to change this in your life, what would it take from you to start today?
How can you find more happiness in your every day life?
- Happiness is generally found when focused on something other than the pursuit of happiness itself, what are you willing to do to bring more happiness into your life?
- Some ideas to get you started: start a daily gratitude journal, decide to change your thoughts, change your expectations from life and others, focus on meeting the needs of others, create and use affirmations, learn to appreciate difficulties, decide to stop complaining, etc. You can also look at the other posts in this series for ideas as well.
- What specific actions will you take to change your happiness level?
What is the source of your happiness?
- Happiness depends on you and NOT on events, material possessions, other people, etc.
- People in highly developed countries have an average lower happiness level than those living in less privileged parts of the world. Why do you think that is?
- Are you willing to take responsibility for your level of happiness? Starting today?
- If not, what is holding you back?
What did you get from this inventory? I would love to hear your thoughts and how it has helped you in any way!
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I loved the summary of questions you have here.. it’s such a coincidence that you say that, ‘Happiness is generally found when focused on something other than the pursuit of happiness itself’… and my blog has it’s about page that says ‘This blog is a pursuit of joy and success! Happiness does not happen…’
thanks for the lovely posts.
Much like what you’ve said here, I complete believe in finding those wonderful moments in life, that’s my way of focusing on something other than the pursuit of happiness itself.
sonal invites you to read… living it up!
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Stacy Reply:
October 27th, 2010 at 9:19 am
Thank you so much for your comment, sonal! I look forward to checking out your blog as well
Stacy
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I love this — the power of focusing on the positive, and about finding it every day instead of waiting for it. Love your blog. My mine is called Road to Joy, so that may give you a clue of the similarity in our worldview, at least from what I can see through your posts.
Found you on SITS!
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Stacy Reply:
October 27th, 2010 at 9:20 am
Pamela, thank you for your comment! I will check out your blog!
Thanks,
Stacy
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Hey Stacy,
This isn’t my definition of happiness, I borrowed it, and I love it – “Happiness is the progressive realisation of a dream”
To me happiness and success are the same thing. And it’s a choice. There’s no external factor that could make you happy and keep you happy. It might make you happy temporarily. So it’s absolutely not worth waiting for something to happen to make you happy, because you have the power within yourself to feel happy all the time.
We have to take responsibility for our own happiness.
Excellent post!
Wayne
Wayne Wu invites you to read… How to Tell People About Your Business in One Sentence
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Stacy Reply:
October 27th, 2010 at 9:42 am
Wayne,
Thanks for sharing that quote, it’s a great quote!
Stacy
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What a cute blog.
Inventorying your Happiness? Quite sounds cool. But knowing your Happiness really matters, right? Listing your happiness into different level will make you realize what you really want.
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Stacy Reply:
April 11th, 2011 at 10:11 am
Thank you!
Yes, any type of awareness is crucial to growth!
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Hi Stacy! I love this Happiness series of yours. It’s something that makes a LOT of sense, and is definitely worth reading over and over again.
Have you tried reading the book “The Happiness Project”? It’s about this girl who tries a personal project for one whole year aimed at focusing on things that make her happy. I think you’d like it.
Cheers,
Anna Yulo
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Stacy Reply:
February 21st, 2012 at 4:44 pm
Hi Anna,
I’ve heard about the book but not read it. I’ve been to her blog though!
Stacy
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