Prosperity Mindset: 3 Surefire Ways to be Happy Every Day!
Yesterday as I was driving up to the mountains, I stopped for gas at my favorite Race Trac. I say my favorite because they have the cheapest gas prices of any station in two states for a couple of hundred miles and even if I do have to use Visa or Master and forgo my Amex points, it’s worth it. Yesterday is was more worth it than usual. I’d left Atlanta at 7:10AM, and while I’m an avowed early bird, I am not generally social much before 10am. It was just past 9am when I stopped for gas. I went inside to grab something for breakfast and noticed immediately that the gal at the register was in an awesome mood. She was doling out smiles and good cheer to every customer in line.
I just had to ask her if she was always this cheerful and she said absolutely. She even admitted that she is a night owl and is even happier in the late evening hours. Now, I don’t know about you, but I go to a lot of convenience stores since I’m on the road a fair bit and it is generally rare to get a compliment (she gave one personally to each customer about their shirt, their hair, something unique to them) and a big smile and welcome from most convenience store clerks. This totally stood out for me and made my day. And this was clearly a mindset choice that this clerk had made and makes every day.
It’s not enough in business today to market well and be motivated, you’ve got to have a prosperous mindset. You’ve got to stay upbeat and even keeled no matter what crisis occur, no matter what major challenges or minor frustrations arise (and they will.) A prosperity mindset isn’t limited to thoughts of money but instead encompasses all kinds of good fortune and abundance. Imagine living a truly healthy life with boatloads of energy to accomplishĀ all the activities and tasks you enjoy (andĀ even some you don’t). Imagine relationships of joy and support instead of those that are toxic and draining. It’s all possible and it’s all up to you.
Now before you bury your face in your hands and groan that “but you don’t know my problems . . .” let me remind of that old adage. “If all of our troubles were hung on a line, you would take yours and I would take mine.” There is always someone better off than you and others who are far worse off, your troubles are relative. This is a chance and your choice to set them aside in favor of a new mindset and a prosperous attitude. Here are 3 Surefire Ways to Be Happy Every Day.
#1 Decide to be Happy
It’s simple you can decide how to feel and act at any given moment in time, it is dictated by your thoughts. As much as you may not want to claim reponsibility for them, you are squarely in charge of your thoughts. It is the cult of you. Take charge of your thoughts and you’ll take charge of your life and your business both.
#2 Find Something to Like About Everyone You Meet
So often we first go into judgment about another person, based on ridiculous factors like how they are dressed, the kind of car they drive, the house they live in, how they smell, if they have an accent, and more. STOP, I dare you to look for something good in each person that you can compliment them on. It could be their smile, their shirt, their voice, anything at all and then TELL THEM. This is going to feel a little weird at first but once you get the hang of it you will fast realize how rare compliments are and how much fun they are to give.
#3 Count Your Blessings and Say Thank YOU
Have you ever found yourself complaining about bad weather only to turn on the news and read of hurricane victims or flooding disasters, and suddenly find yourself grateful for the rain that isn’t so bad, or the snow that didn’t even knock out power?Ā Particularly here in the USA we tend to lead very spoiled lives and we don’t realize how good we have it. I know there is homelessness and illiteracy here and globally, I also know there is AIDS and starvation, here and around the world. Honestly if you don’t have any of those four, what are you grousing about? I’ll bet that if you just look around you’ll have dozens of things to be thankful for, a roof over your head, a car to drive or bus to ride, food to eat, clothes to wear, and that is just the basics. Get grateful and you’ll get happy.
I invite you to share in comments your favorite ways to get happy and stay happy, let’s make the prosperity mindset contagious.
Just what I needed this morning Melissa! I thought my morning was derailed by my car tire light coming on. My husband had to drive our daughter to school while I got it fixed. At first I was so upset but then I realized I would get back to my desk sooner and be able to accomplish my work earlier in the day. It was a strange sort of blessing. It really is all in our perception of things…
Catherine,
Yes, whenever something seems to derail your day, have another look, it is rarely the catastrophe we have created it to be.
Hugs, Melissa
Thank you very much for your words of inspiration today. I have been feeling a bit overwhelmed lately. It was a great reminder of all that I have to be grateful for each and everyday and more importantly to share that with others.
Stephanie,
You are very welcome, most of us lead lives of incredibly richness and poverty, on any level, is only in our minds.
Hugs, Melissa
Good morning, Melissa:
I needed this article this morning. Most days I am happy and (I think) project it. Yesterday was not one of those days. The projects stresses are overwhelming but I am so lucky to have many projects! There you go! Start making the most of whatever your day brings! You are the best. Have a great day!
Mary,
So glad to know this had a positive impact even if not quite as early as desired!
Hugs, Melissa
I live a life of graditude beginning in the morning and throughout the day. I “Stop to smell the roses” so to speak. Whether it be a family member’s improved health, watching the birds or deer in the back yard or appreciating how nice and green everything looks since we finally had some rain.
I’d say #2 is something I need to work on more.
Hmmmm, I recently had to forgo my Amex points as well.
Take care!
Leslie,
It’s all in the attitude! Glad you have it š
Hugs, Melissa
People like you because of the way that they feel when they are around you. What a great reminder to always be a memorable experience for anyone you come in contact with.
Yes, Kass ~ It is a valuable reminder, in fact today I got two unexpected treats when two Tweeps (Twitter followers) recognized me at ADAC and made me a minor celebrity, it was such fun and because I take care to serve and support my Tweeps with positive words of encouragement, empowerment, and endearment always.
Hugs, Melissa
Melissa,
These are thoughts and attitudes so precious and powerful, and yet so easily denied to ourselves. We live in a world so full of negativity that as simple as it may, we have to retrain ourselves to be happy and grateful!!
This mindset is magic and overflows to so many when used. Thank you for the generosity to share it today and may the most beautiful smile be on all of our faces and hearts today and always!
With love,
Stacy
Stacy,
What a truly lovely sentiment, I couldn’t have said it better myself. BRAVO!
Hugs, Melissa
Great words of encouragment to start my day! I certainly needed this, thanks Melissa!
Kelly,
Always glad to have the right words at the right time. And BTW, your headshot is terrific, close up with a winning smile. Keep it going.
Hugs, Melissa
Love this Melissa! A cheerful word, smile and positive attitude goes a long way in business and life.
Hey Laura,
It sure does and so do colors you wear, like that trust me blue!
Great to hear from you always.
Hugs, Melissa
Thank you Melissa for the great reminder! Mindset really does make a difference. I went to a networking meeting this evening and knew no one there. I started to feel down and then I remembered something I read in O magazine yesterday about charisma. To stand up straight and own who you are. The smile then comes naturally. I met quite a few people who were drawn to me when I changed my posture! I ended up meeting some really great people and I felt so much better when I left.
Christina,
Good for you! Believe or not, this is hard for me to and then I remember to act as if it is my party. Posture, a smile and claiming YOU works every time.
Hugs, Melissa
Melissa,
I canāt agree more. Giving compliments builds connection between people. It makes them feel good. It makes them feel important. It is a simple and powerful act of generating happiness around you!
Have you all seen a short movie called āValidationā on YouTube? I wish I had something to do with producing this movie. I just like it and want to share the link:
Here the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cbk980jV7Ao
Kat,
I have seen Validation and it totally rocks! Thanks for that reminder and link. I’ll see if I can include it in a future post. So very true.
Hugs, Melissa
Excellent points, Melissa! Years ago I was given a great book on Transcendental Meditation and what changed my world was the notion that happiness is a decision. Thanks for pointing out good ways to always remember that what we choose determines our life!
Hey Anne,
Yes it is a decision and while not always the easiest one to make, is is the best one to make.
Hugs, Melissa
This was so encouraging to me today. Like many people that responded, I am known for being cheerful, complementary and always looking for the good in people. However with my current relationship drama I find myself being more self focused. This is a good reminder to focus outside and spread some joy!
Thanks~
Hey Christine,
We all fall into times of drama whether personal or professional. I have learned through a lot of that, that what steals our joy is best left alone or let go. When we find ourselves becoming someone we really aren’t and someone we don’t recognize, it is time to recommit to our happy.
Hugs, Melissa
Great entry and the cartoon about says it all!!
Yes, cartoons have a way of being that picture worth 1000 words! Thanks for commenting always.
Best, Melissa
Spot on! A good attitude is contagious. But platitudes can result in unintended absurdity: Last year Fulton County made all its employees attend ‘customer service’ seminars, where the facilitator tried to convince the prosecutors to think of the criminal defendants as ‘customers’ of the DA. It wasn’t the appropriate business model.
That is hilarious! Thanks for sharing Marc, clearly I am on a path to catchup on wonderful comments!
Best, Melissa
I love giving people genuine ompliments, and seeing the surprised and happy look on their faces!
… and I like giving compliments too! lol sorry about the typo :>)
No worries, my fingers often fly too fast on the keyboard and I hit send. OOPS! The thought counts.
Hugs, Melissa
I truly believe that you get what you put out there. I’ve worked in Customer Service for about 15 years. I know how far a kind word or a little interest can go…. Your efforts might be rewarded with in the Sales Department, and I like to think it helps in the Karma Department as well….
Darla,
How right you are, it does help in the Karma department.
Hugs, Melissa
Love this post. People are often unhappy because they choose to be unhappy. I recall at my former employment, I used to get chastised for my laughter; it was too loud. Well geez, I can’t help if you do not like to hear me laugh.
Marilyn,
Ahh betting hearing you laugh reminded them that happy is a choice and they weren’t choosing it, you are!
Well done,
Hugs, Melissa
Melissa, this article so beautifully sums up 3 simple, yet life-changing, principles – all based on personal choice. We choose to be happy – or not. We choose how we perceive others – seeing the good in them – or not. And we choose whether we will come from gratitude – or victimhood. I work a lot by myself (solopreneur) by choice, and occasionally when things don’t seem to be flowing smoothly, I’ll find myself falling into a negative funk. One of my favorite ways to overcome this negative energy instantly is to open my gratitude journal and write 5 things I’m grateful for in that moment. In 5 minutes or less my energy is completed shifted and elevated. And my day is transformed into a series of beautiful experiences…
Thank you
Marilyn
Hey Marilyn,
Awesome to hear from you. Yes, gratitude is the answer! I am currently in a new daily practice, writing 10 things I am grateful for daily. It is profoundly effective.
Hugs, Melissa
One way I’ve found to get out of the negative loop of thoughts is just to stop thinking and breathe…In-1-2-3-4….Out-1-2-3-4. Breathing this slowly requires a bit of concentration, and thereby stops the squirrel cage.
The key is to realize when I’m in the squirrel cage!
Just deep, slow breathing improves my mood, maybe because there is now some oxygen in my brain?
Well done Charlotte,
Yes breathing is something few of us do in any depth very often and can help not just our bodies but our minds and souls!!
Great reminder.
Hugs, Melissa
Melissa
Great article and fantastic way to stay grounded. ” Decide to be happy”…. that is awesome.
Thank you.
Thanks Bob,
Glad you enjoyed it!
Hugs, Melissa
“āIf all of our troubles were hung on a line, you would take yours and I would take mine.ā ” I’ll be repeating that one!
Hmmm… maybe it’s time for a tattoo!!??
Hey Paul,
Me first, for that tattoo! Hey go to gravatar.com and put your headshot in so it will show up in comments. Good branding.
Hugs, Melissa
Hi, Love this; and I always look for other ideas, connections to things I think are good and reinforce me when I struggle through a day. And, (considering you live in Atlanta is especially reinforcing), reminds me of Margaret Mitchell’s description of Melanie Hamilton in Gone With The Wind! There was no person in whom she could not see or find a redeeming trait no matter their circumstance… x xJennie
Jennie,
So glad to hear you are empowered by this post! Reframing is a vital way to turn sour to sweet and negative to positive. It’s a choice to make in every moment. I work at it also.
Hugs, Melissa