Some people aim to follow the happy approach in life. They aim to do things that may help themselves and other people to be happy. They may also see each day as an opportunity to do their best to encourage people.
Some people seem to follow the hamster in a wheel approach. They are constantly striving to tick things of a list. They may also hope that one day they will reach a point where they are successful and happy.
Different people follow these approaches in different ways. Let’s explore these themes.
The Happy Approach
Some people learn this approach early in life. They may have been encouraged by their parents and grown up in a family they were given the following messages.
“We want you to be happy. We want you to do the things you love in life and keep developing. At the same time, it is to do things that help rather than hurt other people.”
Some people follow a similar approach when starting to earn a living. They do work: a) that gives them positive energy; b) that helps other people; c) that pays the bills. They do fulfilling work but also get funding.
One person did this when exploring a career helping people. They worked in a care home and then in a hospice. They eventually became a psychologist who helped people to take care of their psychological health.
People who follow the happy approach in work may also need to be savvy. One approach is to do satisfying work that also pays a salary. Such people sometimes focus on the following steps.
Some people reach a stage in their careers where they simply want to focus on being happy in their lives and work. One of my mentees expressed this in the following way.
“Last week we had a career development workshop in our company. Each of us were asked where we wanted to be in five years.
“Several people talked about wanting to rise in the company and maybe make the C-suite. That was the kind of answer I would have given two years ago.
“When it came to my turn, I felt a bit embarrassed. I said that I wanted to keep improving in my present role but also to focus on helping my team members to develop.
“I have rediscovered my mojo – but it is a different kind of mojo. I want to do my best each day and help other people. I have no desire to keep climbing the corporate ladder.”
Some people seem to get happier as they get older. There are several reasons why this can happen. These include the following.
The Hamster In
A Wheel Approach
Some people learn this approach early in life. They may have grown up in a family where they were given the following messages.
“Life is a competition. It is important to get your head down in school and then study for a degree that will get you a well-paid job. The next step will be to join a company with good career prospects.”
This approach sounds reasonable but it can also have side-effects. A person who follows this path may make a good salary. But it can also mean paying a price in their personal or professional life.
Such a person may find themselves striving in a hamster wheel. This may involve continually making lists and ticking off items on the way to achieving status or the promise of future happiness.
Different people respond to this approach in different ways. Some keep striving and aim to enjoy the fruits of their labour. They may also try to find ways to manage any side effects.
Some people may develop symptoms – such as illnesses or personal problems – that provide warning signs. They may then choose to get off the wheel and develop another way of living.
Let’s return to your own life and work. Looking ahead, can you think of a situation where you may want to follow elements of the happy approach? How can you do this in your own way?
If you wish, try tackling the exercise on this theme. This invites you to complete the following sentences.
Leave a Reply