05/10/2018
This struck a chord with me and I feel many people could benefit from a change in the way we approach our daily goals.
Let me know your thoughts?
A 2018 Plan for More Happiness
Branson starts his letter to a stranger like this:
Dear Stranger,
You don't know me but I hear you are going through a tough time, and I would like to help you. I want to be open and honest with you, and let you know that happiness isn't something just afforded to a special few. It can be yours, if you take the time to let it grow.
It's OK to be stressed, scared and sad, I certainly have been throughout my life. I've confronted my biggest fears time and time again. I've cheated death on many adventures, seen loved ones pass away, failed in business, minced my words in front of tough audiences, and had my heart broken.
I know I'm fortunate to live an extraordinary life, and that most people would assume my business success, and the wealth that comes with it, has brought me happiness. But they haven't; in fact, it's the reverse. I am successful, wealthy and connected because I am happy.
After setting the stage for happiness being a state-of-mind exercised through powerful choices we each have to make daily, he helps us see happiness in a new context.
1. Forget the "to do" list. Write a "to be" list instead.
Getting caught up in doing what you think will make you happy is the sure path to failure, says Branson, because happiness is not about doing, it's about being. While the world over will kick off 2018 with a to-do list to meet their illusive New Year's resolutions, Branson advises people to write a "to-be list" instead. Branson writes:
The world expects grandiose aspirations: 'I want to be a writer, a doctor, the prime minister.' But that's all about doing, not being -- and while doing will bring you moments of joy, it won't necessarily reward you with lasting happiness. Stop and breathe. Be healthy. Be around your friends and family. Be there for someone, and let someone be there for you. Be bold. Just be for a minute.
2. Enjoy being in the moment.
If you follow Branson, you know he's a fearless risk-taker who almost lost his life in 1987, when he attempted becoming the first person to complete a transatlantic journey in a hot air balloon. The older, wiser, Branson knows life is short and precious and he revels in it. He writes:
If you allow yourself to be in the moment, and appreciate the moment, happiness will follow. I speak from experience. We've built a business empire, joined conversations about the future of our planet, attended many memorable parties and met many unforgettable people. And while these things have brought me great joy, it's the moments that I stopped just to be, rather than do, that have given me true happiness. Why? Because allowing yourself just to be, puts things into perspective.
3. Make happiness a habit, not a goal.
As humans, we often stress about things we cannot change or control, even the unimportant stuff that adds unnecessary stress and anxiety to our lives. Branson gives us an elevated picture of life with this quick lesson: "Don't just seek happiness when you're down. Happiness shouldn't be a goal, it should be a habit. Take the focus off doing, and start being every day. Be loving, be grateful, be helpful, and be a spectator to your own thoughts.
