The energy of happiness.

March 25th, 2011

On my way to the UPS Store Tuesday morning, I found myself hopeful that Tamarra would be behind the counter. Even though shipping a package may be considered a mundane task, interactions with Tamarra are always a joy. No matter what time of day or how many customers are waiting in line, her cheerfulness and positive attitude can ignite a smile on even the sourest face.

So on this visit I told Tamarra what a pleasure it was doing business with her. How her happiness and enthusiasm always made my day brighter. She thanked me, and told me how nice I was to say that. And then, with a smile, she said, “It takes less energy.” We agreed: it does take less energy to feel good and go with the flow than it does to exert any type of resistance.

Online the next day, a Harvard Business Review blog headline “Are Happy People Dumb?” caught my attention. It’s a provocative and seriously worthwhile post by Shawn Achor, founder of Good Think Inc. and author of “The Happiness Advantage.” While I haven’t read the book yet, I think Mr. Achor, Tamarra and I share a common perspective.

Here’s an excerpt, links and all, from Achor’s hbr.org post:

“…happiness is the single greatest competitive advantage in the modern economy. Only 25% of your job successes are predicted based upon intelligence and technical skills, though we spend most of our education and most companies hire based upon this category. The “silent 75%” of long-term job success is based upon your ability to positively adapt to the world: optimism, social support creation, and viewing stress as a challenge instead of as a threat.”

So I wonder: How ready for success are you? How happy are you?

If you believe you’ll be happy only when you’re successful, here’s an idea for you. Shift your thinking to turn that around: I’ll be successful when I’m happy. And if that’s something you just can’t bring yourself to believe, then tell me this: Why you would argue for your limitations?

 

 

 

 

 

 

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7 Responses to “The energy of happiness.”

  1. Dan Kelly says:

    Fabulous post, Julie, you’re really onto something good.

  2. Julie Tarney says:

    Thanks, Dan. I think you’ll like today’s post, too.

  3. Judie Koeppler says:

    You nailed it and everyone should read this!

  4. Julie Tarney says:

    Wouldn’t that be something, Judie, if everyone absorbed this idea! Thanks for your great comment.

  5. Tamarra says:

    This blog alone is motivation to continue on in a positive manner. I never really give it any thought, if you act a certain way long enough I suppose it becomes natural. Wish more New Yorkers had access to this blog!!!

  6. Julie Tarney says:

    You are proof positive of the power of our mental attitudes!

  7. […] Now for the best news about your energy: You get to control it, because you get to choose the thoughts you think. Your energy — your power — is always in the present moment. So what can you think about, appreciate or enjoy that makes you feel good? What’s giving you your greatest competitive advantage? […]