Shawn Achor on The Happy Secret to Better Work

Want to work better? Work on developing a more positive outlook

Success does not bring you happiness says psychologist Shawn Achor. In fact, according to his research, the reverse is true--happiness brings you greater success--and you can raise your own level of optimism at the same time you inspire others to raise theirs.

According to Shawn Achor, researcher and author of The Happiness Advantage, you can train your brain in 21 days with simple exercises--including sending positive notes to encourage others. It doesn't take a lot of time to create a more positive mindset and encourage others to do the same. All it takes is a little bit of action and focus on the positive each day.

Take a look at Shawn Achor's TED TALK The Happy Secret to Better Work to learn the simple steps you can take to develop a more positive mindset yourself. The 12-minute TED video is entertaining as well as informative.

Be an Ambassador of Good Will

Thank you to Pam McCormick for sending me Shawn Achor's TED talk. What goes round, comes around. Pam is one of the ambassadors of good will out there taking action to inspire happiness in others. It's a thank-filled job---and thank goodness Pam and other good people--like yourself--are around who are more than happy to spread the optimism.

Check out Feel Good, Be Good, Do Good for more on the topic.


Sign Up for Free E-mail updates

Connect with Susan on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Sign up for free e-mail updates from this blog in the top right-hand corner of the page.


Would you like to Host a Lightarted Event?

For more than 25 years, Susan Meyerott has been helping people lighten up and step over invisible barriers to change one step at a time. She speaks to your heart, puts you at ease, and makes changing easier than ever before. Contact Susan to schedule life change coaching, weekend retreats, or engaging Lightarted experiences to share with friends.

Don't Belittle Yourself, Be BIG Yourself-Corita Kent

What's happening in your life right now? Has something happened that has your attention or are you reacting to something that recently happened?

If life has dealt you a blow, how soon will you move out of the fear and self-doubt freezing you in inaction into having faith in your ability to move confidently in the direction of your dreams?

'Don't belittle yourself. Be BIG yourself.'

Corita Kent

Click here to read 'Go Confidently in the Direction of Your Dreams'

Would you like to Host a Lightarted Event?

For more than 35 years, Susan Meyerott has been helping people lighten up and step over invisible barriers to change one step at a time. She speaks to your heart, puts you at ease, and makes changing easier than ever before. Contact Susan to schedule life change coaching, weekend retreats, or engaging Lightarted experiences to share with friends.

Lightarted Postcard: Don't Give Up--Stay the Course

Sometimes life just doesn't go your way.

It's hard to stay upbeat and positive when you get rejection after rejection for jobs, dates, loans, or other things of importance. Sometimes you just feel like giving up and giving in to the depression or feelings of hopelessness and shame.

But before you're ready to throw in the towel, consider the story of Kathryn Stockett, author of the bestselling book, The Help. You couldn't blame Kathryn for being depressed or discouraged as she attempted to find a publisher for a novel it took her five years to write. She was rejected 60 times before Penguin Books agreed to publish her novel. You know the rest of the story--the movie, based on the book, was nominated for Academy Awards. It was a big hit.


Don't Give Up--Be Persistent

• Don't give up. Be persistent like Kathryn Stockett and get your masterpiece out in the world. 
• Still your mind. When you're ready, take another step--apply for another job; ask another person out; contact another loan officer.
• Be persistent. Be patient. Persistence and patience eventually leads to payoffs--give it time.

  To read more on staying upbeat when facing difficulties

  

 

Sign Up for Free E-mail updates

Connect with Susan on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Sign up for free e-mail updates from this blog in the top right-hand corner of the page.

Would you like to Host a Lightarted Event?

For more than 25 years, Susan Meyerott has been helping people lighten up and step over invisible barriers to change one step at a time. She speaks to your heart, puts you at ease, and makes changing easier than ever before. Contact Susan to schedule life change coaching, weekend retreats, or engaging Lightarted experiences to share with friends.

  

Make a Difference in Your Community

Want to Make a Difference

in the Lives of Others?

Get Involved

Do your part to get the long-term unemployed working and your local economy thriving. Step up and help create a Platform to Employment in your community, replicating the highly successful program Platform to Employment (P2E) set up by Joe Carbone, President of The Workplace in Connecticut.

What Is Platform to Employment?

"The WorkPlace developed Platform to Employment (P2E) to address the need for the long term unemployed to return to work and the employer need to recruit skilled workers. The program is a public-private partnership which gives businesses a risk-free opportunity to evaluate and consider hiring participants during an eight-week work experience program." P2E website

You CAN Be Part of the Solution

Come on--you have family and friends who are facing long-term unemployment--maybe it's you. Check out the Platform to Employment site to learn how this program works and how you might help to get it going in your local community.

I understand--you're just one person--and maybe you don't feel very powerful. But you can contact employers; state representatives; churches and synagogues; The Job Council; your local community college; local chapters of Rotary, Soroptomists, and other community service organizations to let them know about this program and ask how they could get involved.

I saw a segment about P2E on 60 Minutes last night, and felt compelled to do something to pass this on and to get people talking about creating this in my own community.

Be a Leader

Do not underestimate the role you can play. The smallest nudge from you can get the conversation going.

• Check out the Platform to Employment website and share it with 10 others.
• Share this post with people you know who may be in a position to make this happen in your community and with employers who may be interested in participating in providing internships.
• Encourage the leaders in your community to sign up for this free webinar to learn what they can do to get P2E implemented in your community.

  

Sign up for FREE Webinar to learn what you can do to get

Platform to Employment implemented in your community.

Developing Your Local Response to Long-term Employment

This webinar is FREE and open to the first 500 workforce, community and economic development professionals who register.

Sign Up for Free E-mail updates
Connect with Susan on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Sign up for free e-mail updates from this blog in the top right-hand corner of the page.


Would you like to Host a Lightarted Event? 
For more than 25 years, Susan Meyerott has been helping people lighten up and step over invisible barriers to change one step at a time. She speaks to your heart, puts you at ease, and makes changing easier than ever before. Contact Susan to schedule life change coaching, weekend retreats, or engaging Lightarted experiences to share with friends.





Forgiveness--It Warms Your Heart and Cools the Sting

Free Yourself

Click  Let it Go to access article



Start a Happiness Habit

Research shows giving love and support to others has more impact on your own health and happiness than getting support. Get in the habit of sending a daily Lightarted Card to one person you care about with a brief  note of encouragement from you. You'll make the other person's day and create a more optimistic outlook for yourself.

To send a personal message with a link to this Lightarted Postcard, click the M button (for 'eMail this) on the bottom of the Lightarted page '--write your brief note, add both your recipient's and your own e-mail address and send.

Sign Up for Free E-mail Updates

Connect with Susan on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Sign up for free e-mail updates from this blog in the top right-hand corner of the page.

Would you like to Host a Lightarted Event?

For more than 25 years, Susan Meyerott has been helping people lighten up and step over invisible barriers to change one step at a time. She speaks to your heart, puts you at ease, and makes changing easier than ever before. Contact Susan to schedule life change coaching, weekend retreats, or engaging Lightarted experiences to share with friends.

You Can Do it. Trust Yourself

**What is it you want yourself to do?**

**What do you need to do to accomplish it?**

You know the way.

Go do it.

Be Wise

Trust Yourself

Act on What You Know

The Wisdom Within

You have  within you a deep understanding of people, things, events and situations. Turn that knowledge into actions that consistently produce the optimum results for you with a minimum of time and energy. Trust yourself.

Start a Happiness Habit

Research shows giving love and support to others has more impact on your own health and happiness than getting support. Get in the habit of sending a daily Lightarted Card to one person you care about with a brief personal note of encouragement from you. You will make the other person's day and create a more optimistic outlook for yourself.

To send a personal message with a link to this Lightarted Postcard, click the M button (for 'eMail this) on the bottom of the Lightarted page '--write your brief note, add both your recipient's and your own e-mail address and send.

Sign Up for Free E-mail Updates

Sign up for free e-mail updates from this blog in the top right-hand corner of the page.



You are a Force--Do Not Wish for a Life without Obstacles

What do you need to clear?

~Everyone has struggles~.
~Everyone faces obstacles.~
~Everyone deals with adversity.~

What are your obstacles?

Do not wish for a life without challenge.
We become stronger and more content when we face and overcome challenges.

Be a Force.
Begin anew each day.
Each moment of your life is new, fresh and vital.
Clear those obstacles.
Step over the invisible barriers.

What is one step you can take to walk past your obstacle?
Do it NOW.

Believe in Your Strength

Believe in Your Ability to Take Action

 

Start a Happiness Habit

Research shows giving love and support to others has more impact on your own health and happiness than getting support. Get in the habit of sending a daily Lightarted Card to one person you care about with a brief personal note of encouragement from you. You will make the other person's day and create a more optimistic outlook for yourself.

 

To send a personal message with a link to the Lightarted Postcard, on the bottom of the Lightarted page click the M Button for 'email this'--write your brief note, add both your recipient's and your own e-mail address and send.

 

Sign Up for Free E-mail updates

Connect with Susan on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Sign up for free e-mail updates from this blog in the top right-hand corner of the page.

Would you like to Host a Lightarted Event?

For more than 25 years, Susan Meyerott has been helping people lighten up and step over invisible barriers to change one step at a time. She speaks to your heart, puts you at ease, and makes changing easier than ever before. Contact Susan to schedule life change coaching, weekend retreats, or engaging Lightarted experiences to share with friends.

Lightarted Postcard--You're Made of Strong Stuff, Baby!

My Dearest Friend

You're Made of Strong Stuff

Don't let the difficulties you've encountered get you down.

Be Strong

Stay the Course

Happiness comes when

you overcome the most impossible challenges.

Rest in the knowledge you have within you

all the ingredients to succeed in life.

P.S. I Love You

Start a Happiness Habit

Research shows giving love and support to others has more impact on your own health and happiness than getting support. Get in the habit of sending a daily Lightarted Card to one person you care about with a brief personal note of encouragement from you. You will make the other person's day and create a more optimistic outlook for yourself.

Send a Personal Message with Your Lightarted Card

To send your loved one a personal message with a link to the Lightarted Postcard, on the bottom of the Lightarted page you want to send, click the M Button for 'email this'--write your brief note, add both your recipient's and your own e-mail address and send.

Looking for another Lightarted Postcard?

Click on title to access postcard

Love Yourself

Believe in Yourself

Love One Another

Live Joyfully

Shine

Enjoy the Dance

Want more encouragement in your life? Sign Up for Free E-mail updates

Connect with Susan on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Sign up for free e-mail updates from this blog in the top right-hand corner of the page.

Would you like to Host a Lightarted Event?

For more than 25 years, Susan Meyerott has been helping people lighten up and step over invisible barriers to change one step at a time. She speaks to your heart, puts you at ease, and makes changing easier than ever before. Contact Susan to schedule life change coaching, weekend retreats, or engaging Lightarted experiences to share with friends.

Lightarted Postcard--Love Yourself

  Share a Lightarted Postcard

click on postcard titles below to access

I Am Worthy

Love One Another

Live Joyfully

Shine

Enjoy the Dance

Send a Personal Message with Your Lightarted Card

To send a personal message with a link to the Lightarted Postcard, on the bottom of the Lightarted page you want to send, click the M Button for 'email this'--write your brief note, add both your recipient's and your own e-mail address and send.

Start a Happiness Habit

Research shows giving love and support to others has more impact on your own health and happiness than getting support. Get in the habit of sending a daily Lightarted Card to one person you care about with a brief personal note of encouragement from you. You will make the other person's day and create a more optimistic outlook for yourself.

Sign Up for Free E-mail updates

Connect with Susan on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Sign up for free e-mail updates from this blog in the top right-hand corner of the page.

Would you like to Host a Lightarted Event?

For more than 25 years, Susan Meyerott has been helping people lighten up and step over invisible barriers to change one step at a time. She speaks to your heart, puts you at ease, and makes changing easier than ever before. Contact Susan to schedule life change coaching, weekend retreats, or engaging Lightarted experiences to share with friends.

Lightarted Postcard- Believe in Yourself

Share Your Hope and Encouragement

Who do you love?

Who do you care about?

Who could use words of encouragement?

Share a Lightarted Postcard

Click on title below to access postcards

I Am Worthy (you're here!)

Live Joyfully

Love One Another

Let Your Light Shine

Enjoy the Dance

To send a personalized message with a link to the Lightarted postcard of your choice:  Go to the bottom of the page you want to share, click M button (for email) give recipient's and your email addresses and write your personal message. Share the love.

P.S. Somebody Loves You



Connect with Susan on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.  Sign up for free e-mail updates from this blog in the top right-hand corner of the page.

For more than 25 years, Susan Meyerott has been helping people lighten up and step over invisible barriers to change one step at a time. She speaks to your heart, puts you at ease, and makes changing easier than ever before. Contact Susan to schedule one or on-going life change coaching sessions. 

Lightarted Postcard--Delight the World with Compassion, Kindness and Grace

P.S. I Love You

Share the Love!

How to Send a Personalized Lightarted Message

• Choose to Share. Choose the lightarted message you want to share.
• Take Your Pick. Below are links to three other Lightarted postcards. Click on the title to access the post.
• Click M Button.  On the bottom of the Lightarted page you want to share is a row of buttons--M, B, T, F and +1. Click the m-button to send an e-mail with a personalize message.
• Create Your Personalized Message. You provide the recipient's e-mail address and your personalized note. The recipient recieves an email with your note of encouragement and a link to the Lightarted message.

How easy is that? 

How to Share the Love with Your Network of Friends

• Twitter and Facebook. Click the t-button for twitter or f-button for facebook. Add your personal wishes, and share the love!

More Lightarted Living Postcards of Love and Encouragement

Click the title to access the post

Enjoy the Dance

Live Joyfully

Let Your Light Shine

Go on....give it a try NOW
You know there's someone out there you want to send some love

Connect with Susan on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Sign up for free e-mail updates from this blog in the top right-hand corner of the page.

For more than 25 years, Susan Meyerott has been helping people lighten up and step over invisible barriers to change one step at a time. She speaks to your heart, puts you at ease, and makes changing easier than ever before. Contact Susan to schedule one or on-going life change coaching sessions.

Lightarted Postcard--Live Joyfully!

This is dedicated to the ones you love.

Who are you thinking about?

Who do you wish well?

Who do you love?

Share this Lightarted Postcard with the ones you love.

• E-mail the link with a brief message from you.
• Share on facebook and twitter.
• Gift the ones you love with  a FREE Lightarted Living Subscription for year-round uplift.

There's no time like NOW to share your love.

Does Someone Love YOU?

Did someone share this Postcard with you?

You're loved!

Now pass it on to someone YOU love....

It's Easy. It's Free.

Be Bold. Live Dangerously.

Let the people you love know you care.

Join me in the 30-Day Love Challenge.

Help spread messages of love and encouragement daily.

P.S. I love you.

Connect with Susan on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.  Sign up for free e-mail updates from this blog in the top right-hand corner of the page.

For more than 25 years, Susan Meyerott has been helping people lighten up and step over invisible barriers to change one step at a time. She speaks to your heart, puts you at ease, and makes changing easier than ever before. Contact Susan to schedule one or on-going life change coaching sessions.

Lightarted Postcard--Let Your Light Shine

Join the 30 Day LOVE Challenge

Want more love and connection in your life?

Focus on the giving of love not the getting of love.

If you want to make a difference in the lives of others,

the simple act of sending a brief, 'I love you' or

'saw this card and thought of you' note

can warm the heart of the receiver.

Who do you know who you'd love to see Shine?

Send this  Let Your Light Shine postcard to them.

Don't be stingy with your words of encouragement.

The more love and encouragement you give the more you get.

Join me in the 30 Day Love Challenge.

It's easy.

Share the Lightarted Living link
 http://lightartedliving.blogspot.com/2012/02/happy-valentine-postcard-let-your-light.html
or share on facebook or twitter with a short note to

the people you'd like to encourage.

30 Days--30 Messages of Love

Who do you love and care about?

Tell them

P.S. I love you.

I'm sending this to YOU because I care about you.

Connect with Susan on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.  Sign up for free e-mail updates from this blog in the top right-hand corner of the page.

For more than 25 years, Susan Meyerott has been helping people lighten up and step over invisible barriers to change one step at a time. She speaks to your heart, puts you at ease, and makes changing easier than ever before. Contact Susan to schedule one or on-going life change coaching sessions.

Lightarted Postcard-- Enjoy the Dance

Who's On Your Mind in this Season of Love?

Words of encouragement are always in season.

This postcard is the first in a series of daily posts

celebrating the season of love.

Please join me in sharing daily heart-felt messages.

Send this -- and the upcoming e-heart messages to those you love.

Help spread the LOVE.

Connect with Susan on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.  Sign up for free e-mail updates from this blog in the top right-hand corner of the page.

For more than 25 years, Susan Meyerott has been helping people lighten up and step over invisible barriers to change one step at a time. She speaks to your heart, puts you at ease, and makes changing easier than ever before. Contact Susan to schedule one or on-going life change coaching sessions.



Practice Mindfulness--One Still Moment Provides Peace and Strength

'Have patience with all things; but first of all with yourself.'

St Francis de Sales, 1567-1622

·         What are you feeling anxious about?

·         What are you in a hurry to get past?

·         What are you beating yourself up about?

Stop Wasting Your Time--Practice the Pause and Linger Within

Why waste your time berating yourself? Learn to pause and sit quietly within yourself to let your incredibly smart and well-ordered mind find an unhurried way through your difficulties. 

It was Seneca, a Roman philosopher (4 BC-65 AD) who said, 'the first proof of a well-ordered mind is to be able to pause and linger within itself'. He may not have called it 'practicing mindfulness' back then, but that is exactly what Seneca was talking about.

The Five Minute Cure

Run a little experiment. Sit quiet for five minutes. Do nothing. Gently breathe in and out. Let your mind and body grow still. In the stillness of the moment, choose one positive action to take that will calm and strengthen you. Do it now.

Calmly repeat daily.

Your Daily Moment of Mindfulness Creates Consistent Positive Outcomes

Don't be in a hurry to bypass the five minute cure. You have too much to give the world to stay anxious and distressed. Pause and allow yourself to engage in this five minute practice daily--starting now. 

Get a journal or notebook to jot down each daily positive action you choose to take. Describe what you did and how you felt after taking a singular step.

Within a week of practicing five minutes of calming mindfulness daily, you will have taken seven steps; within a month of daily mindfulness you'll have calmly and deliberately accomplished 30 positive steps.

Choose to gently untangle your mind-- and with a clear mind and renewed spirit confidently step over your invisible barriers. Life is good--follow your dreams calmly and one step at a time.

'Never be in a hurry; do everything quietly and in a calm spirit. Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever, even if your whole world seems upset.'

St Francis de Sales, 1567-1622

Do you need help moving out of feeling anxious into a calmer, more productive and peaceful state of mind?

 For more than 25 years, Susan Meyerott has been helping people lighten up and step over invisible barriers to change one step at a time. She speaks to your heart, puts you at ease, and makes changing easier than ever before. Contact Susan to schedule one or on-going life change coaching sessions.