Why are you waiting to be happy?

Most often than not we define "conditions" under which we will be "happy".

For e.g. Once I become CEO, once I get married, once I have my first child, once my daughter is married, when I have my first racing car - I will be happy.

If you become successful - money will only amplify who you are. It does not provide happiness. Even if you were to draw a correlation between your bank balance and happiness levels - you would realize you were happier when you had very little.

If you ask people if they could be granted one wish - what would it be? Universally the answer is to "Win the Lottery".

Did you know that according to the New York Daily News - 70% of lottery winners spend all their winnings in 7 years. Research actually suggests that winning the lottery could be a "curse".

Moral of the story - don't wait for happiness. Let it overcome you - let is wash over you. How? You already have so much in your life to be grateful for - chose happiness. Choose it like a habit you can't get rid of.

Sometimes re-wiring the brain needs a lot more effort - if the primary thought motive is fear.

Some tips to have more positive thoughts in a day:

1. Exercise! :) Nothing like a endorphin hit. Find out more.
2. Journal! I journal on the days I feel challenged - on the days I feel sad - I write about things I am grateful for. Writing 5 things you are grateful for every day for 30 days will make a remarkable difference. The once famous 100 happy day challenge still exist. Why not do it again?
3. Meditate! I am yet to find a guru, influential leader or ancient religious practice that do not advocate this practice of stillness.
4. Be kind to yourself. Understand that you are a complex being that is evolving. More often than not we are our own worst enemy.
5. Listen to affirmations! Sounds cheesy - but when you fuel your mind with daily motivational messages - expect positive change. Listen to motivational speeches. Train your mind.

Life has a way of unpredictable - but if you can be anything - be happy - as we can never be sure of what tomorrow will bring.

If today was your last day - what do you want to be remembered for?

Don't put terms and conditions on your happiness. Make it a daily choice.