Do you have a Happiness Trigger?

Are you often stressed? Do you have a hectic life? Do you often get information overload from social media? All these things can create unpleasant thoughts and feelings. Well, a "happiness trigger" can help.

A happiness trigger is something that can bring a smile to your face instantly. When I was providing Executive Coaching for CEOs and Managing Directors, I would ask every one of them to create a happiness trigger. ?

It could be a photograph of loved ones (spouse, kids, pets), a pleasant memory, or even something that you are really looking forward to. The idea is that these triggers are personalised, easy to access, and capable of shifting your mental state from stress or sadness to happiness almost instantly.

What do happiness triggers do?

1. Provide Stress Relief: In moments of high stress or anxiety, it's essential to have a quick and effective way to decompress. A happiness trigger acts as a mental reset button, providing instant relief from negative emotions. This can prevent stress from escalating into more severe conditions like burnout or depression.
2. Create Mental Resilience: Life is unpredictable, and challenges are inevitable. Happiness triggers help build mental resilience by providing a reliable source of positivity. When you know you have something that can uplift your spirits, you're better equipped to handle difficult situations with grace and composure.
3. Improve Productivity: Happiness and productivity are closely linked. When you're in a positive state of mind, you're more likely to be creative, focused, and motivated. A happiness trigger can serve as a quick pick-me-up during a workday, helping you maintain high levels of efficiency and enthusiasm.
4. Enhance Relationships: Your emotional state significantly impacts your interactions with others. When you're happy, you're more likely to be kind, patient, and empathic. By regularly engaging with your happiness triggers, you can improve your mood, which in turn enhances your relationships with friends, family, and colleagues.
5. Promoting Optimism: When you constantly turn your attention to your happiness triggers, you train your brain to focus on the positive aspects of life, creating a more optimistic outlook.

Please create your happiness triggers.

I used to ask my Executive Coaching clients a question – “Close your eyes and think of something that puts a smile on your face instantly?”

Please pause for a moment, stop reading this article, and do that exercise right now. By answering that question, you can begin to pinpoint specific happiness triggers that resonate with you.

One of my clients mentioned that her dog brings her the most happiness in the world. I asked her to put pictures of her dog at her work desk (she would constantly talk about experiencing stress at work).

Another exercise that I gave her was to (whenever she felt stressed) take a deep breath, close her eyes, think about her dog and then repeat the dogs name three times). That worked like a treat for her! Her dog was her happiness trigger.

Please let me share a personal experience with you. I was on a speaking tour, between two states. One night, after delivering three speeches that day, I spoke to one of the tour organisers on the phone. We had a disagreement about something. ?

Instead of going to bed unhappy, I thought about which happiness trigger I should focus on. My neighbour at the time had a big Rottweiler called Bruno. I used to feed Bruno whenever my neighbour went away. Looking at a picture of Bruno on my phone brought an immediate smile on my face. I focused on the image of Bruno before going to sleep.

Did I sleep well that night? Yes!

Was I in a better mental and emotional state to resolve the disagreement the next day? Yes!

Here is a picture of dearly departed Bruno. Who could not smile by looking at this picture?

You can incorporate a happiness trigger into your daily life by setting a schedule (to focus on your happiness trigger). For example, when you begin to do this, set reminders eg. At 10:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM, I will look at the picture of my dog at my work desk and smile. That will get you into the habit of focusing on your happiness trigger.

In the hustle and bustle of life, happiness triggers serve as a crucial reminder of the importance of happiness in our lives. By identifying and incorporating these triggers into your daily routine, you can cultivate a more resilient, positive, and fulfilling attitude. So, take the time to discover what makes you happy - your well-being depends on it.

PS: Please type in the comments below about your happiness trigger :)?