Anthony Venn-Brown
Coach - Author - Speaker
Personal Growth Tips


Dear  

CAN YOU MAKE YOURSELF HAPPY?


Is happiness
  • Circumstantial?

  • Genetic? (born that way)

  • Purely brain/chemical activity?

  • An attitude?

  • A choice?

  • A combination of factors?

Most people in the world would agree with the words of the American Declaration of Independence which says one of our inalienable rights as "the pursuit of happiness." But for millions of people, happiness remains elusive. They've tried to buy it, sought it through pleasurable activities or had relationships they believed would make them happy. Even pursuing certain goals won't necessarily make you happy. You can spend your life climbing the ladder of success only to discover when you reach the top that it's against the wrong wall. Why has the pursuit of happiness in external things left many feeling unfilled or empty?


Read research and top ten tips below.

Lottery Winners and Accident Victims
Ronnie Janoff-Bulman, PhD, a psychologist at the University of Massachusetts, conducted a study comparing the well-being of lottery winners versus people who had become suddenly paralysed. Following the initial euphoria of their newfound wealth, the lottery winners were no happier than the accident victims. The paralysed individuals had to adjust to the shock of their new physical limitations, but after this early distress had eased, they were much better able to appreciate the small pleasures and victories of life and also felt more optimistic about the future than those who were overnight millionaires.

What the research says

Apparently the left prefrontal cortex serves as the centre for positive, optimistic, and happy feelings. When people naturally have higher than normal activity in this brain region, they are more likely to feel positive moods, and they'll tend to start each day ready to take on the world.

Researchers now believe that our brains are hard-wired in ways that, at least to some degree, determine just how happy we're going to be. In short, it's in the genes. As powerful as these genetic predispositions may be, happiness is still partly within your control, says David Myers, PhD, the John Dirk Werkman Professor of Psychology at Hope College in Holland, Mich. "It's rather like our cholesterol level -- genetically influenced, yet also influenced by our habits and attitudes."


According to Ken Sheldon, PhD, associate professor in the department of psychological sciences at the University of Missouri-Columbia, all of us are born with a particular "set range" for happiness, which can be fine-tuned by various life circumstances. Your goal, he explains, should be to reach and remain in the upper end of the happiness range that is part of your genetic blueprint. Sheldon's research has shown that happiness is associated with characteristics like autonomy, competence, close relationships, and high self-esteem.


A study at Wake Forest University showed that when people simply acted extroverted, they felt happier than when they acted introverted. Even introverts, said the researchers, can act extroverted and feel happier.

So the answer is yes, you can influence your personal happiness. It is determined by the things you do and the way you view the world.

Have a good day

Anthony Venn-Brown
Anthony Venn-Brown

BTW....Any questions? Feel free to email me [email protected]
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Anthony's top 10 list of Things You Can Do To Make Yourself Happy

1. Be grateful.

This is vital to happiness - be happy with what you've got - not what you want. Being grateful creates a positive energy.  Being envious, resentful or jealous will produce all the wrong feelings. Research shows that people who pause each day to reflect on the positive aspects of their lives (for example, their health, friends, family, education, freedom) are more likely to experience heightened well-being. Some people do this through a regular gratefulness journal where they write down their blessings.

2. Be with positive happy people.

Negativity, complaining, and self-pity are draining. No one likes a whinger. Surround yourself with the positive energy that comes from positive people.

3. Limit negative input.

In addition to the people you surround yourself with, the media can also affect your happiness level. Stay well informed, but "God this world is an awful place" will fill your mind if you watch the news all day long.

4. Exercise.

Studies show that aerobic exercise is an antidote for mild depression and anxiety. Exercise raises serotonin levels in the brain, and it DOES make you feel better. Just do something....walk, take stairs, leave the car, etc. JUST DO IT

5. Do something for someone else.

Giving of yourself, expecting nothing in return will surely lift your spirits.  Try some random acts of kindness during the day,

6.  Realise you are in control of your life.

Take responsibility for your own happiness. Don't wait for someone else to make you happy. "The route to sustained happiness is not to change the static circumstances of your life, but rather to change the activities that you're involved in," says Sheldon. "This could mean committing to a new vocational plan, pursuing a new set of goals, or joining a new organization."

7. Spend time outside.

Spending a little time with Mother Nature will always rejuvenate and uplift you. Take time to smell the roses....switch off the auto-pilot.

8. Take time to do things you love.

Do things you WANT to do...don't be burdened down with the things you HAVE to do. Make some new choices.

9. Smile.

Try it.

10. Believe in something bigger than you.

Faith not only provides valuable support, but it's a way to focus on something other than yourself. Having some spiritual faith is enriching and it helps get you through challenging times. Whether you call it God, the Universe, Spirit, Higher Power, find something to look to for support and peace. Study after study shows that actively spiritual people are happier, and that they cope better with crises.

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Anthony Venn-Brown

A
s an internationally accredited coach (ACC ICF), Anthony has worked with a broad range of clients and over the last nine years gained many 1,000's of coaching hours experience.
Anthony's background includes 30 years in a variety of educational settings, establishing successful businesses and creating exceptional sales results. He has presented to audiences of up to 5,000 and appeared on national television and radio programs numerous times. His award winning autobiography 'A Life of Unlearning,' is now in its second print.

Richness in life experience is what makes Anthony stand out as a coach. His proven ability to negotiate challenging situations, pioneer new opportunities, and commitment to the best possible outcomes, enables him to connect insightfully with clients. By providing an objective sounding board, Anthony's clients gain the clarity and necessary tools to create the career, performance or internal transformation they desire.

E: [email protected] 
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