Guest Post: Create Your Own Happiness

Wednesday Inspiration #24

Today’s inspiration comes from author Debra Shigley.  I recently interviewed her about her book the Go Getter Girl’s Guide: Get What You Want in Work and Life (and Look Great While You’re at It). Click here to listen to the interview.

With the new year upon us and everyone’s ‘resolutions’ in full swing (hopefully!), I’ve been thinking about some recent studies that suggest women are gradually becoming unhappier than we were 40 years ago.   Of course, the research reflects a snapshot and not the complete picture of modern women’s experiences. I’m happy, and I speak to women all the time who are living happy and fulfilled lives, personally and professionally. But, I think the research prompts us to consider a few things.

First, happiness is such a relative term, and how you personally define it –e..g, ‘feeling good’; joy; fulfillment; professional success; being in love; even having a good hair day!– affects whether you feel you’re achieving it in your life.  But second, women fundamentally have more opportunities than we did 40 years ago, and I think with so many options and choices, happiness can also become a choice. Happiness—however you define it– doesn’t just happen by accident!  It’s something I became very aware of interviewing so many women who are making their dreams happen (and looking great too!)—Go-Getter Girls, as I came to think of them. These are women who are fun, sassy, savvy—and who are also generous and want to share their advice on everything from finding your perfect job to your perfect pair of jeans.

As women, I think we almost have to ask ourselves on a daily (hourly?!) basis, am I  doing things in my life to make me feel happy? Do I even know what will make me happy? Am I taking ownership of the choices I’m making—whether it’s my relationships, career, health?  Am I traveling? Trying new things?  Working out? Treating myself to a manicure? Creating joy in my own life, and others’ lives? Finding fulfillment sometimes takes a lot of work! That’s sort of the essence of Go-Getter Girl-ness: taking charge of and responsibility for your life and career—instead of waiting for life – and happiness- to just, well, happen to you.

Now, get after it!