26 Sep 1 thing experts don’t talk about nearly enough when it comes to self-help and happiness
If you’re reading this then you’re probably pretty familiar with most, if not all of the most popular recommendations when it comes to creating more happiness or self-development more generally.
Specifically, you’ve no doubt heard about and almost certainly tried strategies like mindfulness and meditation, positive thinking and building positive relationships.
And you may well have enjoyed some benefits from setting and working towards meaningful goals, from exercising and connecting, or even from utilising your psychological strengths more than you had in the past.
But there’s something that doesn’t get nearly enough attention.
It’s not necessarily anything new or different; in fact, it’s not even a “new strategy”.
Most popular strategies are popular for a reason, and if they’re evidence-based then I heartily recommend you keep using them.
Here, however, is the thing. My version of optimism won’t look the same as yours. My version of purpose or social connection, won’t be the same as yours.
We’re all different, with different backgrounds and dreams, different cultural and even religious beliefs. And so, our versions of happiness or wellbeing, our versions of living great lives will all look and feel and sound different!
All of which is OK. But it won’t be OK if you try to copy or imitate someone else. That won’t work. And it might even backfire if you feel disappointed or frustrated by the lack of authenticity.
Here, then, is the thing to which I referred in the headline to this post. The 1 thing experts don’t talk nearly enough about is individualising your approach. We might all be trying to practice gratitude, but we might need to do it in different ways. We might all be trying to foster and develop positive relationships but … I think you get my point.
By all means, then, strive towards happiness and thriving, and use the strategies we’re all trying to use because they’ve been proven to work. But, use them in YOUR way, in a way that suits your personality and your life. If you do so, you’ll massively increase your chances of enjoying more happiness and more generally, life success!