Since the beginning of our consciousness, it feels like there is a compass within us guiding us to the place of happiness. It is like a small light, a quiet nudging that pulls us in the direction of more happiness. And even as adults, this guiding compass has helped us choose the kind of company we keep, the kind of work we do, the kind of places we are most likely to be found. My theory is that this feeling is universal.

Long before we began to make decisions for ourselves, long before we realized the constraints of money or the lack of it, we have been in a quiet pursuit of happiness. In fact, so many addictive behaviours are traceable to the desire to be happy. The only problem is that such behaviours give us the illusion of happiness, and snatches it at the end when we sober up. But everybody is drawn by that giant pull to be happy.  

In a work environment, it is important to prioritize happiness in the course of fulfilling your expectations. It is always better to be happy while working than not to be. An unhappy or melancholy team will most often churn out a poor result, this is the basis of the entire motivation theories. And exploring ways to make and keep your team happy, is how you win all the time.

A very concise quote that comes to mind here is that of Lilly Pulitzer, the American Fashion entrepreneur who died in 2013: “Being happy never goes out of style”. Every season is a good time to stay happy.

Two things I imagine that often disrupts the inner happiness of most career persons are: the dissatisfaction from work, and the feeling of inadequacy outside work. To expound, many of the times we feel unhappy at work, it is easily tied to compensation insufficiency, not enjoying the work you do, not enjoying your colleagues at work, or not enjoying the conditions associated with your work. On the other hand, the feeling of inadequacy outside work can also impede your inner happiness; either in your home or your general life outside work. Knowing this, what will you do about it?

My admonition, friend, is that you consciously seek a happy journey as much as you seek a happy outcome. Desiring to be happy in the end is very common, but you must seek to experience happiness along the way. Waiting till weekend, vacation, or retirement before you experience happiness, is deferring your utmost experience. Today is a good day to be happy. Cheers.