inspiration

HAPPINESS TIP – LIVING IN THE MOMENT CAN BE DETRIMENTAL AT TIMES… HERE’S WHY:

Posted on by Joseph M. Brennan Jr.

Here’s a Happiness Tip which might be helpful for some of you out there regarding present-mindedness and why it can be detrimental at times.

So often in life we are encouraged to “live in the moment,” “be present,” and “seize the day!” (i.e., “carpe diem!”) – among other, similar, popular kinds of expressions. And while living in this fashion can be helpful at times for easing worries, distress, and negativity, and creating a momentary sense of peace and enjoyment, there are also times when it can do more harm than good. Especially, during those times when we fall victim to temptations, addictions, compulsions,  distractions (TACDs), and procrastination.

Years ago I had a computer game addiction. It seemed fun and exhilarating in the micro moment-to-moment but when “zooming out” to the more macro level, I realized after playing such games all night – every night – that these kinds of activities were consuming my life to the point where they created extensive stress, fatigue, anxiety, and a lack of performance and progress in other areas of my life. Many temptation, addiction,  compulsion, distraction, and procrastination challenges do the same. Several examples come to mind:

  • spending money “seizing the day!” – every day – so there is nothing put towards the future,
  • drugs, alcohol, and other kinds of temptations and addictions,
  • anything which consumes more of life than one might like such as sports, social media, information or media content, television, social activities, money related obsessions, the internet, video games, cleaning, sex, work (in the case of workaholics), or activities (in the case of “doaholics”), and
  • anything and everything delayed or avoided due to procrastination.

Living in the moment – or a day at a time – can seem a pleasure paradise for anyone experiencing challenges such as the above because living in this fashion can lead people to believe they are living happy, successful, productive lives when – in actuality – they are not.

“How can you tell?” someone might ask. Well, one thing you can do is “zoom out” and examine your overall life from time to time. When doing this, ask yourself something like: “Am I progressing towards longer term happiness and success in my work, relationships, activities, goals, and my life overall?” If you’re not, then you might be falling victim to a “live in the moment” or “carpe diem!” mentality. Such a mentality can be a great excuse for taking detours and not moving forward in life but will never get you to where you desire to go over the longer term. Ask any addict, procrastinator, or exuberant spender.

A good way to address TACD and procrastination challenges is taking steps to moderate or eliminate anything which might be holding you back or consuming more of your life than you might like. Let’s take the computer games addiction above as an example. One way to moderate such an activity might be to limit participation such that you allow yourself to only play computer games on Wednesday and Friday nights from 8:00 pm to 11:00 pm. In my case, I elected to eliminate computer games completely. However, I could have simply limited my participation in these kinds of activities.

Some of the above TACD and procrastination challenges can be handled by simply moderating them while others – such as more severe addictions – might need to be eliminated completely. Do what works best for you or those you are providing assistance to.

Now, while it can certainly be helpful at times to “live in the present,” for easing periods of worry, distress, and negativity, and for creating a momentary sense of peace and enjoyment in life, there are also times when it can do more harm than good. So, get into the practice of “zooming out” and examining your overall life from time to time to ensure you are progressing towards the longer term happiness, harmony, and success you truly desire in life and taking steps to address any problem areas you find along the way. What a wonderful life you (and others) will create and share if you live in this fashion.

This and other happiness and self-improvement related tips are provided throughout my self-help oriented books: https://brighterdayslifecoaching.com/published-books-and-life-coaching-services/


#selfimprovement #selfhelp #selfdevelopment #intention #fulfillment #success #inspiration #happiness #mindfulness #peace #love #relationships #discipline #balance #joy #optimism #positivethinking

HAPPINESS TIP: EXPEND TIME AND ENERGY ON THAT WHICH OFFERS VALUE TO YOU AND LITTLE TO NONE ON THAT WHICH DOES NOT

Posted on by Joseph M. Brennan Jr.

Here’s a Happiness Tip which might be helpful to some of you out there: Be very mindful of how you use your time and energy. Expend most of your time and energy on that which truly offers value to you and little to none on anything which does not. This goes for the activities you engage in, the work you perform, the people in your life, and the information and media content you expose yourself to.

For example, one of the time and energy depleters in life I commonly come across – when helping others as a life coach – involves people. If there are people who do not value you or add value to your life, then do not waste another precious moment until they do (if ever). It’s just wasted energy. Nothing you do will do anything for them until they learn to value and appreciate you or add value in some fashion.

So, clear the clutter and focus on that and those which add value to your life. You will be much happier and live a rich and rewarding life if you do because you will have the time and energy to expend on that and those which truly matter instead of being consumed by that and those which don’t. So, clear that clutter. And clear it often.

This and other happiness and self-improvement related tips are provided throughout my self-help oriented books: https://brighterdayslifecoaching.com/published-books-and-life-coaching-services/

#happiness #selfimprovement #selfhelp #selfdevelopment #intention #fulfillment #success #inspiration

HAPPINESS TIP: BE MINDFUL OF ALL YOU EXPOSE YOURSELF TO AND SURROUND YOURSELF WITH IN LIFE

Posted on by Joseph M. Brennan Jr.

Always be mindful of the polarity – positive or negative – associated with the resulting experiences of all you expose yourself to and surround yourself with in life. This includes that which you read, view, listen to, engage in, and those you spend your time with.

To live a happy life, you will want to mindfully incorporate more of the associated positive experiences and less of the negative ones. If you do this, you will live increasingly happier over time.

For example, someone I coached recently shared that she frequently immerses herself in content associated with various conspiracy theories. I asked her why she fills so much of her time with these kinds of activities. She indicated she enjoys them and likes to stay informed.

So, I asked her about some of the latest conspiracy theories she exposed herself to and how they made her feel. She responded that they made her feel angry, bitter, and disgusted for much of the time. Angry? Bitter? Disgusted? And for much of the time? Does this sound like a happy, enjoyable life to you?

I shared these observations with her and she began to realize how much of a toll these kinds of activities were taking on herself and her life. I encouraged her to think carefully about whether she truly wanted to expose herself to these kinds of negative experiences and, if she did, then to perhaps engage in these activities in moderation and with a sense of balance so they didn’t consume so much of her life with negativity. She started performing fewer of these activities and filling more of her time with what she truly enjoys. And she now feels much happier and more positive in nature.

So, always be mindful of what you expose yourself to in life and who you surround yourself with. Fill more of your life with positive experiences and less of your life with negative experiences. If you do this, you will live increasingly happier over time. And that will make you feel wonderful. And you will lead a rich and rewarding life. And this will benefit not only you but also everyone who surrounds you. So, do this for yourself (and others) if you can.

This and other happiness and self-improvement related tips are provided throughout my self-help oriented books: https://brighterdayslifecoaching.com/published-books-and-life-coaching-services/ 

#selfimprovement #selfhelp #selfdevelopment #intention #fulfillment #success #inspiration #happiness

HAPPINESS TIP: OFFER FREELY TO OTHERS WHAT YOU MOST WANT NOW

Posted on by Joseph M. Brennan Jr.

You can experience love, warmth, happiness, and any other feelings you might wish to experience right now by simply “verb-alizing” what you want – that is, turning what you want into an action. So, if you want love, then love. If you want appreciation, then appreciate. And if you want respect, then respect. You’ll be amazed at how much love, appreciation, and respect comes back to you when you do this. So, do this. And do it often.

This and other happiness and self-improvement related tips are provided throughout my self-help oriented books: https://brighterdayslifecoaching.com/published-books-and-life-coaching-services/ 

#selfimprovement #selfhelp #selfdevelopment #intention #fulfillment #success #inspiration #happiness #relationships

HAPPINESS TIP: CREATE BRIGHTER TOMORROWS BY MAKING BETTER CHOICES TODAY

Posted on by Joseph M. Brennan Jr.

You are where you are today NOT because of your past circumstances. You are where you are today because of the choices you have made.

If you don’t like where you are today, make different choices. And keep changing things up until you start living the life you truly desire.

This is the only way to escape a past which might not have been as good as it could have been. So, take responsibility and work towards creating the future you truly want. And don’t delay. Start today.

This and other happiness and self-improvement related tips are provided throughout my self-help oriented books: https://brighterdayslifecoaching.com/published-books-and-life-coaching-services/ 

#selfimprovement #selfhelp #selfdevelopment #intention #fulfillment #success #inspiration #happiness

HAPPINESS AND SUCCESS TIP: BE THE KIND OF PERSON PEOPLE WANT TO ASSOCIATE WITH

Posted on by Joseph M. Brennan Jr.

Who we are is paramount. It matters so much more than what we do or communicate. The key to every successful relationship – whether romantic, family, work, or business related – is being the kind of person who first and foremost cares about others, seeks to understand, and genuinely wants to be helpful. If you do this, gaining trust and support from others and connecting with others is much easier.

So many pursue individual agendas and wonder why they have trouble connecting with others or building successful business (and other) relationships. You have to be the kind of person people want to associate with. They don’t care so much about what you do or what you want. They care about who you are. And if you are the kind of person they can trust, respect, and count on, then you will build the kind of relationships that last for years (if not decades). And these are the kind of relationships you want. Those that add happiness, comfort, and warmth to your life.

This and other happiness and self-improvement related tips are provided throughout my self-help oriented books: https://brighterdayslifecoaching.com/published-books-and-life-coaching-services/ 

#selfimprovement #selfhelp #selfdevelopment #intention #fulfillment #success #inspiration #happiness #relationships

HAPPINESS TIP: LOVE, MARVEL, AND LET GO

Posted on by Joseph M. Brennan Jr.

Well, just what exactly are you looking for? Magic and mystery and music and magnificence dance and abound all around you every moment of every day. The sunshine smiles, the skies wander, nature sings, animals love, and the earth spins in rhythm with the heavens in perfect balance and harmony.

What more than this is needed to make one smile, sing, and dance with joy and boundless love, wonder, amazement, and appreciation? What more I ask? What more could you be looking for?

Life and living is here right here and right now. Simply love and marvel and let go and waltz with the never-ending warmth, beauty, and flow.

This and other happiness and self-improvement related tips are provided throughout my self-help oriented books: https://brighterdayslifecoaching.com/published-books-and-life-coaching-services/ 

#selfimprovement #selfhelp #selfdevelopment #intention #fulfillment #success #inspiration #happiness

HAPPINESS TIP: HOW TO CREATE A HAPPY, PRICELESS, BEAUTIFUL LIFE FOR FREE!

Posted on by Joseph M. Brennan Jr.

People frequently ask why I am always so happy, why I care so much about animals, and why I pick up recyclables when they see me walking or running. Well, much of it has to do with the way I look at life.

Consider this:

Imagine you loaned the use of your home to a house guest for a few days while you were away. When you return, you find your home has been completely trashed and has become a dirty, stinking, filthy mess. How would you feel about your house guest?

Now, imagine you loaned the use of your home to a different kind of house guest. When you return, you find your home has been thoroughly cleaned, polished, and beautified. In addition, you receive a card and gift thanking you for the use of your home. How appreciative would you feel towards this house guest?

Well, the spiritual world operates in much the same way. We are all just house guests of our creator – who has so graciously loaned us this planet (and everything in it) for all of our days. And those who genuinely care about and express appreciation towards the planet (and every creation in it) will experience blessed lives filled with love, peace, beauty, and happiness – the spiritual world continually recognizing their appreciation and showering them with more to be appreciative of. And this cycle of joy, positivity, and appreciation can continue from day-to-day, week-to-week, and year-to-year.

So, the above summarizes my philosophy on life and why I am ever so thankful and grateful and continually express this appreciation.

Everything that surrounds us has been loaned to us by the most gracious of givers. So let’s all strive to become the most gracious and considerate of guests while living here on this planet. Simply BE KIND, DO GOOD, and BE GOOD and watch your world transform into a life filled with love, beauty, and joy. What a wonderful world we could all share if we each did our part in these regards. So, do this. And do it often.

This and other happiness and self-improvement related tips are provided throughout my self-help oriented books: https://brighterdayslifecoaching.com/published-books-and-life-coaching-services/ 

#selfimprovement #selfhelp #selfdevelopment #intention #fulfillment #success #inspiration #happiness #relationships

HAPPINESS TIP: NEVER UNDERESTIMATE THE VALUE OF TRUST

Posted on by Joseph M. Brennan Jr.

One of the more difficult things to do in life is to build trust. It’s far easier to break trust than to build trust. But it’s also much easier to build trust than to repair trust.

So, never underestimate the value of trust. Trust is important for all types of relationships including romantic relationships, friendships and family, and work and community relationships. So, if you want to live a happy and peaceful life, make it your goal to live with a sense of discipline and commitment such that you avoid breaking trust.

The reason why it’s so difficult to repair trust once it has been broken is you have to develop not only a track record of trust and a consistent positive change in behavior but an OBSERVED, DEMONSTRATED, and PROVEN track record in the minds of those you are seeking to repair trust with – people who already have doubts about you and may have a lot of trouble believing your good intentions. This doubt and negative bias can be extremely difficult to overcome. So, do yourself a favor and put forth your best efforts to live a disciplined life and maintain a sense of trust. If you do this, your life will be much easier, happier, and more peaceful.

This and other happiness and self-improvement related tips are provided throughout my self-help oriented books: https://brighterdayslifecoaching.com/published-books-and-life-coaching-services/ 

#selfimprovement #selfhelp #selfdevelopment #intention #fulfillment #success #inspiration #happiness #relationships

HAPPINESS TIP: HOW TO RELEASE JUDGMENT AND BE THE PERSON EVERYONE WANTS TO BE AROUND!

Posted on by Joseph M. Brennan Jr.

Here’s a happiness tip on releasing judgment and being the person everyone wants to be around: think about all of those you love and appreciate in your life – each of which have led unique life experiences which might have changed over time. Some of these aspects you know about and others you might not.

For example, some people in your life might have had Catholic, Buddhist, Atheist, gay, and straight aspects of their life experiences. Others might have had politics and political/other activist aspects and philosophies as a part of their life experiences. Still others might have had narrow-minded or liberal-minded views and beliefs or struggled with temptations and addictions as a part of their life experiences. And yet others might be artists or engineers or educators or entrepreneurs or have preferred one political candidate/party over another political candidate/party throughout their life experiences. And the list goes on.

However, no matter which path they might have taken to get to where they are today, always remember that you love and appreciate them as they are. And they might have been very different had they taken different paths or had other life experiences.

So, anytime you are tempted to pass judgment, remember those who you love and appreciate in your life today – those who might have had similar aspects of what you are judging others for in their life experience. And release that judgment and allow people to have the life experiences they truly desire up until that time that they choose a different path (if ever). Feel free to offer loving advice and ideas, all along the way, which you think might help them live a happier life but always remember it is their life experience – not yours.

If you live your life in the above fashion, you will feel happier, and others will feel happier and more comfortable in your presence. The combination of which will create, well, even greater happiness – both in your life and theirs!

This and other happiness and self-improvement related tips are provided throughout my self-help oriented books: https://brighterdayslifecoaching.com/published-books-and-life-coaching-services/ 

#selfimprovement #selfhelp #selfdevelopment #intention #fulfillment #success #inspiration #happiness #relationships