Happiness Skill #18

This is a fun little activity and something that should bring a smile to your face as well as to the faces of the people you involve. Life is full of small accomplishments which, when added up create a very positive result. Most of us feel really good when we accomplish a large goal or achieve an accolade for something big we have done. This gives us a great feeling of accomplishment and happiness. The problem is, these large goals or accolades come so rarely that we end up ‘starving’ for praise, a ‘good job’ or acknowledgment for the little things we have done.

Today’s activity has two parts both of which should be a lot of fun for you.

Here they are:

Part 1 – Beginning today, pay close attention to ANY positive accomplishment you make and give your self a little ‘mental praise’. Your accomplishment can be ANYTHING no matter how small it is. Something like, taking the stairs rather than the elevator, reading on your lunch break or helping a co-worker with a project. It doesn’t matter what you do, if it is positive, then praise yourself. You can also reward yourself when you reach a certain number of ‘praise worthy accomplishments’. Maybe 10 accomplishments = a candy bar. Come up with some way to praise and reward yourself for the positive things you do.

Part 2 – As you look for things you accomplish and praise yourself for, keep a lookout for things OTHERS do that are praise-worthy and be the one to notice and offer praise to them. This goes hand in hand with the concept that one of our most fundamental NEEDS as human beings is the need to be acknowledged and recognized. If you like, make the second part of today’s activity extra powerful by praising people your normally have a difficult time being around. This could be a co-worker, family member, neighbor or anyone you come in contact with. Pay attention to the things they do and give them praise for any positive effort they make.

Notice how you feel when giving praise to yourself as well as to others and see how your praise impacts your day. Celebrate the little things in life…and have a great time with this one.

You have to be your biggest fan. Notice your accomplishments regularly.

Love,

Remarkable, positive ME