People that cultivate a positive mind-set perform better in the face of challenge.  Our general sense of well-being is malleable.  The habits we cultivate, the way we interact with coworkers, how we think about stress can be all be managed to increase happiness.

What does it take to create a positive mind-set? Practice. Practice. Practice.  Try one of the following brief positive exercises daily for three weeks.

• Jot down three things you are grateful for.
• Write a positive message to someone in your social network.
• Meditate for two minutes.
• Exercise for 10 minutes.
• Take two minutes to describe in a journal the most meaningful experience of the past 24 hours.

Then assess your general well-being.  Do you feel more engaged? Less depressed? Happier? More satisfied with life?

Leaders should take note because happier employees have on average, 30% higher productivity. Business outcomes improve when the brain is positive.  We need to get rid of the notion that success precedes happiness. Success is a moving target; and therefore the success that results from it is fleeting.  Creating a positive mind-set is a better option for  sustaining well-being. Make happiness a habit.

If you have a friend of a colleague who needs this message, please share it with them.

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