8 ways to be kind to yourself and more happy.

“A man or woman cannot be comfortable without their own approval.”

– Mark Twain

For almost 4 decades I've been advocating that true success is something WE define.

I believe “genuine happiness” is possible when we create a definition of success that emphasizes better health, satisfying work, healthy relationships and healthy intimate relationships. What I call the four tenets of equanimity.

Many people let society determine what constitutes success. As a result, we get lost pursuing wealth and aesthetic beauty as the ultimate source of our ambition.

This futile endeavor culminates in the realization that life is empty and unsatisfying when our focus gravitates away from things that truly matter. 

In our effort to create more happiness here are 8 things we can focus on to be more kind to our self:  

“You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.”

 – Buddha

Disconnect. Hustle. Grind. 10 times everything. Guess what, disconnecting is equally as important. That includes disconnecting from being productive. Take breaks often to restore focus and energy.

Gratitude. Contemplate 3 things each day we are grateful for. We talk about gratitude to the point of exhaustion. This is a simple exercise I believe will help. Having perspective on our good fortune prevents always wanting more.

Write. Journaling or simply writing about a positive experience is imperative. This elevates happiness by forcing your brain to reminisce about something positive. I try to write every day and it’s incredible therapeutic.

Intuition. Ask yourself for advice and really listen. Intuition seldom lies. Learn to trust it and learn to recognize how powerful your own instincts are.

“Love yourself first and everything else falls into line. You really have to love yourself to get anything done in this world.”

– Lucille Ball

Reward. Small rewards for establishing strong habits is a great way to make habits stick. Pick healthy rewards to reinforce your efforts to build better habits.

Flourish. Embrace the idea we can grow. Recognizing that overcoming obstacles, hard work and focus will make us better liberates us to be realistic about success and do the hard work required to make dreams happen.

Celebrate. Every week or month review what you’ve accomplished and celebrate. It doesn’t have to been anything elaborate but recognize your efforts and build upon your success. 

Nature. Anyone that follows my work knows I love nature. I travel often and explore the beautiful spaces around me. I use the time to think and disconnect, and remind myself how fortunate I am to be healthy and live in a place where I have the choice to make my dreams a reality. Nature is humbling. Beautiful. Restorative and required for busy people who need to think, create and innovate.

“Never bend your head. Always hold it high. Look the world straight in the face.”

– Helen Keller

Sum it up

Are you being kind to yourself? If not, why?.

Any suggestions for people attempting to make them self a priority? Please like and share this article and include your thoughts in the comments section below. I love learning from you as well.

About Steve:

Steve Wohlenhaus is CEO of Weatherology, the leading company in the world at disseminating audio weather information.  Steve began his career as a major market television weather anchor in Minneapolis, where he received several Emmy Awards for science programming. Steve is an author and host of the podcast program Anatomy of Success. Reach out and connect with me on LinkedIn and grab the FREE Weatherology mobile app!