What the Happiest People in the World Have in Common  

In 1978, I attended a class by author Sid Simon on what the happiest people in the world had in common.  I was astonished to learn that the year-long study done by married social scientists found that it was a four-letter word: Risk.   

Twenty years later, Risk would become the second of 8 High-Ways in the 8 to Great Process for Positive Change. 

Fast forward to 2011, when author Dan Buettner looked at the latest research on the world's happiest communities in his best-seller, "Thrive." What did the international findings tell us? While the "Happiness Zones" around the world vary greatly in diet and dress, they agree on one thing:

THE IMPORTANCE OF GRATITUDE    

in Denmark: "We believe that a rich person is the one who has a lot to be grateful for: nature, the company of good people, enjoying a good book."  

in Singapore: "The Koran tells us to be happy with what God has provided and that people are happier if they are grateful rather than worrying about what might be missing."

in Mexico: "90 percent of happiness is actively appreciating the good around us. The more we can take the focus off ourselves and forget our problems, the happier we'll be."    

THE DEPRESSION BUSTER

Back in the U.S., the dozens of emails I get each week from the newly grateful agree. Are YOU sharing 3 gratitudes a day with someone? Don't take my word for it. Check out this recent Facebook entry:

MK, Thanks to your challenge I've been writing daily (facebook) gratitudes for almost three years. It has been a transformative journey. I will graduate with a Master's degree in mid-May and have a job that I absolutely love. Thank you for playing an influential role in my moving from depression to seeing all there is to be grateful for in the world.

- Shari Miller

Thanks, Shari! You are proof that no matter where we live, we can choose to make it a Happiness Zone by getting and staying grateful. 

Injoy, 

 
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"8 to Great is the only self-help book I've ever finished. I've read it 3-4 times. Now I hand copies of the book out like candy to my employees. It's really helping."

- Dave Tracey, CEO Xpress Trucking, Ontario, Canada

 2-day 8 to Great Certification Trainings:

April 14-15  Lincoln NE (5 slots left) 

May 2-3 Floral City FL 

June 4-5 Stuart NE 

June 23-24 Overland Park KS 

July 26-27 West Point NE

July dates TBA Okoboji IA

 

"Our school has gone from 17 in-school suspensions per semester down to 2 per year. We're very grateful for

8 to Great."  

- Dan Schiefelbein, principal Doniphan Trumbull HS, NE 

For more information or to register for an upcoming training, go to: 8 to Great Certification Training 

"The 8 to Great advantage is like the weight room in sports. It helps each individual go into the game that much stronger and internally prepared to do their best!" 

- Jon Rowberry, Nextstep       

        

Are you ready to give your school or business the 8 High-Ways to greater  

health, happiness and success?  

Call us at 800-419-0444.  

We can help you get where you want to grow.

Educators: Are you signed up for our "Teaching Tips"? This month has an amazing story of how one 8th grader ended her own bullying! Email us at info@8togreat.com to get your own copy of the "taking back my power" letter she wrote to her bullies that changed everything! 

It's not enough in life to do well.

It's just as important to do good.